FACTBOX - Ending dates of previous primary campaigns

(Reuters) - Though 24 states will hold contests on February 5 to choose nominees from the Democratic and Republican parties for the November U.S. presidential election, no candidate is likely to clinch the nomination for weeks or months afterward.

Following are the dates in previous presidential election years when candidates secured the nomination:

* In 2004, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry secured the Democratic nomination on March 2. Incumbent Republican President George W. Bush faced no rival within his party.

* In 2000, Bush clinched the Republican nomination on March 14. Vice President Al Gore also secured the Democratic nomination on March 14.

* In 1996, Kansas Sen. Bob Dole secured the Republican nomination on March 19. Incumbent President Bill Clinton faced no opponent for the Democratic nomination.

* In 1992, Clinton secured the Democratic nomination on June 2. Incumbent President George H.W. Bush secured the Republican nomination on April 28.

* In 1988, Bush secured the Republican nomination on April 26. Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis secured the Democratic nomination on June 7.

(Reporting by Andy Sullivan)

(For more about the U.S. political campaign, visit Reuters "Tales from the Trail: 2008" online at http:blogs.reuters.com/trail08/)