FACTBOX: Ending dates of previous primary campaigns

(Reuters) - Arizona Sen. John McCain is the front-runner in the race to be the Republican party candidate in the November presidential election, but New York Sen. Hillary Clinton and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama are in a neck and neck race for the Democratic nod.

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

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

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

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

* 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/)