Clinton, Sanders in Dead Heat

While the GOP ponders the implications of Ted Cruz's victory in Iowa, all the Democrats can say for certain is that Martin O'Malley isn't their winner. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are locked in a dead heat with more than 99% of precincts counted, and Iowa Democratic Party officials say they're trying to track down results from the few precincts still outstanding, the AP reports. More:

• The result was so close in some precincts that the awarding of delegates was decided by a coin toss, reports the Des Moines Register, which notes that the Clinton campaign won all five coin tosses.

• When he spoke to supporters Monday night, Sanders described the "virtual tie" as a major achievement, the Register reports. "I think the people of Iowa have sent a very profound message to the political establishment, to the economic establishment, and, by the way, to the media establishment," he said.
• Clinton also tried to portray the result as a victory, the New York Times reports. "As I stand here tonight breathing a big sigh of relief—thank you, Iowa," she told supporters. "I am excited about really getting into the debate with Senator Sanders about the best way forward to fight for us and America."
• Even if Clinton is declared the winner in Iowa, the close result probably means that she has a longer fight than expected in front of her, and that Sanders' message "has real muscle and appeal," notes the Washington Post.

(More Bernie Sanders stories.)