WASHINGTON, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York scored a big, but largely symbolic win in the Democratic presidential primary in the state of Kentucky Tuesday.

(U.S. Democratic presidential candidate and Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) speaks during a campaign visit at Maysville High School in Maysville, Kentucky, May 19, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo))

    With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Clinton was leading rival Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois 65 to 30 percent.

    Speaking to her supporters in Louisville, Ky., the former first lady used the victory to press on her case to fight on despite the tremendous odds.

    "Tonight we have achieved an important victory," she said.

    "It's not just Kentucky bluegrass that's music to my ears. It's the sound of your overwhelming vote of confidence even in the face of some pretty tough odds," Clinton said.

    "This is one of the closest races for a party's nomination in recent history. We're winning the popular vote and I'm more determined than ever to see that every vote is cast and every ballot is counted," Clinton said.

    "You have never given up on me because you know I will never give up on you," she added.