WASHINGTON _ Washington's Democratic primary matters because Bernie Sanders is under strong pressure to do well in the state, the most liberal of the six states holding nominating contests next Tuesday.
The Vermont senator is now battling in what's essentially a head-to-head duel with former Vice President Joe Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination. Michael Bloomberg dropped out after a poor showing in Super Tuesday voting.
Sanders' strength is with liberals and younger voters _ and the West. Biden so far has not won a state west of Texas.
