WASHINGTON, 19 February 2004 — Sen. John Kerry improved his chances of winning the Democratic Party nomination on Tuesday by narrowly winning the Wisconsin primary. The Massachusetts senator, with his craggy Mount Rushmore face, remains a formidable front-runner and clear favorite for the nomination.
But Sen. John Edwards surprised many by a strong second-place showing: Kerry pulled in 40 percent, and Edwards was close behind him with 35 percent. Edwards says he is now exactly where he wants to be — in a two-man race. The senator from North Carolina has campaigned successfully with his anti-free-trade message of economic capitalism that has struck a nerve in many states hit hard by the loss of manufacturing jobs.
Kerry has won 16 of the 18 primaries or caucuses, and has an overwhelming lead in nominating delegates. He has also eliminated such well-credentialed challengers as retired army Gen. Wesley Clark, Rep. Richard Gephardt, (Mo), and Sen. Joseph Lieberman (Conn.).
But Edwards, who has recently raced ahead after being far back in the polls, continues to exceed expectations. As a result, the upcoming weeks will offer a real horse race for Democratic voters.
Rumors abound that Kerry may offer Edwards the vice president slot on the Democratic ticket, and many Democrats believe a Kerry-Edwards ticket would be a formidable challenge to President Bush in November. But in these fierce primary campaigns, Democratic sources say Edwards’s sharp criticism has irked Kerry and may have lessened his chances.
Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean announced yesterday he was bowing out of the race. Dean bet everything on Wisconsin and came in a weak third, at 18 percent. His campaign was recently shaken by a pair of high-level resignations; campaign chairman Steve Grossman jumped ship after campaign manager Joe Trippi left to join MSNBC.
After Tuesday night’s poor showing, Dean decided to step down and focus on issues important to his supporters. He remains a prize endorsement for Edwards or Kerry.
Throughout his campaign, Dean has said he will support the eventual nominee, but it is unclear if his army of young supporters would be willing to follow. Dean is the political equivalent of a superstar. Once a long-shot candidate, the Internet phenomenon filled his campaign coffers and attracted thousands of supporters who pushed him to the head of the crowded Democratic field.
