Washington, Nov 20: Republican John McCain, who was piped by Barack Obama in the race for White House, picked a consolation prize by scoring a win in Missouri -- the last state to be decided in the 2008 presidential election.

With all precincts reporting, the unofficial lead for McCain over the Democrat is 3,902 votes, a margin of just more than one-tenth of one per cent.

Because the margin is below one per cent, Obama can seek a recount, but is not expected to do so, US media reported.

The Missouri results break a bellwether streak. It is the first time since 1956, and only the second time since 1900, when the state backed a presidential loser.

The Arizona Senator will receive Missouri`s 11 electoral votes, giving him 173 to Obama`s 365.

Meanwhile, McCain is also planning to seek re-election to the Senate when his term ends in 2010.

He has set up a political action committee as a first step towards seeking a fifth Senate term, US media reports said.

Bureau Report