RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - It was well into the early morning hours of Tuesday before Iowa Democratic Party officials gave the nod to Hillary Clinton, who beat Bernie Sanders by a sliver, prompting a party official to say it is the closest caucus result ever.

According to CNN, the historical point was made by Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Andy McGuire.

Clinton appears to have beaten Sanders with 1,680 of 1,681 precincts reporting in. Clinton's vote is tallied 49.9 percent of the vote, with Sanders' tally sitting at 49.6 percent.

Martin O'Malley scored .5 percent and has announced he is dropping out of the race.

New Hampshire is next stop for the candidates. The Granite state holds its primary Feb. 9. Sanders currently holds the lead in polling.