Kansas caucus: Ted Cruz beats Donald Trump to WIN crucial state in White House race
REPUBLICAN candidate Ted Cruz has claimed victory in the Kansas caucus, beating outspoken front-runner Donald Trump.
Ted Cruz has beaten Donald Trump to win the Kansas caucus
Trump picked up just 23.3 per cent of votes in the Midwestern state, just days after winning a staggering seven states on Super Tuesday.
In contrast Cruz, who had previously won Alaska, Oklahoma, Iowa and his home state of Texas, romped to victory with 48.2 per cent.
Florida Senator Marco Rubio and Ohio Governor John Kasich, who have only won a state between them, finished third and fourth respectively.
Rubio branded Trump a self-interested "con artist" in a debate before the poll, in his fiercest attack yet on the brash hotel mogul.
He added: "It's not enough to say, 'Vote for me because I am angrier and over the top and am going to do and say things no one is going to do."
At a later rally in Florida, where a separate caucus is being held, pleaded for support from the same city "that believed in me" in his Senate race.
Cruz had previously won Alaska, Oklahoma, Iowa and Texas
Trump, intent on denying Rubio a crucial Florida win, made thousands of supporters his Orlando rally swear to give him their ballots.
With already underway in the state, Trump, who is worth an estimated $4billion (£2.8billion), told them: "Do it now. Do it today. Do it tomorrow."
He added: "Remember, you all swore, you're voting for Trump, you can't change."
Florida Senator Marco Rubio branded Trump a 'con artist' before the poll
He also appeared to row back on claims that he would order the US military to 'waterboard' suspected terrorists.
Trump said: "I will use every legal power that I have to stop these terrorist enemies. I do, however, understand that the United States is bound by laws and treaties.
"I will not order our military or other officials to violate those laws and will seek their advice on such matters."