INSTANT VIEW: McCain wins nomination; Clinton revives campaign

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican John McCain clinched his party's nomination for the November U.S. presidential election on Tuesday with four big victories over his last major rival, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. Hillary Clinton won a critical showdown with Barack Obama in Ohio to keep her Democratic presidential bid alive.

Following are analysts' views:

IZURU KATO, CHIEF ECONOMIST, TOTAN RESEARCH IN TOKYO

"With Clinton's victory in Ohio, the Democratic race looks set to be prolonged. It could help the Democrats if either Clinton or Obama wins out with a tough image in the end.

"Right now, the current is running in favor of the Democrats. But if the two candidates end up spending much of their time slandering each other or using up their money, that would be negative toward the November race.

"Whichever of the two wins against McCain, it would have a limited implication on the Japanese economy, as the Democrats are focusing on China as a threat. Obama sees China's interest rate policy as a problem, so the pressure on the Chinese yuan could lead to a rise in the yen if he becomes president.

"If McCain wins in the end, the Republican government would place more emphasis on its ties with Japan as a friendly nation, particularly in terms of security."

SCOTT KEETER, DIRECTOR OF SURVEY RESEARCH AT PEW RESEARCH

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