44 - Politics and Policy in Obama's Washington - February 3, 2008

Obama: 'We Can Win Virginia on Tuesday'

RICHMOND -- Virginia Democrats greeted Sen. Barack Obama with deafening applause as he walked on stage to address the party's annual Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner, a victor in four Democratic contests over Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. --Shailagh Murray

By washingtonpost.com Editors | February 9, 2008; 11:59 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (48)
Categories: B_Blog, Barack Obama, Video Report
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The Obama Spin on a Sweep

After taking three contests from Clinton, Obama camp sees delegate margin narrowing.

By Post Editor | February 9, 2008; 11:55 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (110)

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Clinton: 'Come Join Me'

Excerpts from Hillary Clinton's impassioned plea to Virginia Democrats at the Jefferson-Jackson dinner in Richmond, Va. (AP)

By washingtonpost.com Editors | February 9, 2008; 11:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (24)
Categories: Hillary Rodham Clinton, Video Report
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Brownback, Foiled Again!

The Curse of Brownback strikes again. Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) has campaigned on behalf of...

By Post Editor | February 9, 2008; 9:49 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: John McCain
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At Seattle Caucus, Strong Obama Support

In Seattle, sometimes, the clichÃ© "latte liberal" really does apply.--Juliet Eilperin

By Washington Post editors | February 9, 2008; 6:05 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (78)

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A Parting Gift for Romney

Mitt Romney told conservatives at CPAC Thursday that he was dropping out of the race. Today, those same conservatives chose Romney as their choice for the Republican nomination.--Michael D. Shear

By Washington Post editors | February 9, 2008; 5:16 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (26)

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Low Turnout in Louisiana Worries Obama Camp

Reports of low turnout in Louisiana caused a wave of concern in the Obama campaign on an otherwise smooth primary and caucus day in four states on Saturday.--Anne E. Kornblut

By Washington Post editors | February 9, 2008; 5:09 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (105)

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Huckabee Draws Large Crowd at Univ. of Maryland

A crowd of nearly 1,000 people greeted former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee today at the University of Maryland.

By washingtonpost.com Editors | February 9, 2008; 4:41 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Mike Huckabee, Video Report
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Clinton Calls Shuster Comment Part of 'Troubling Pattern'

ORONO, Maine -- In a press conference at the University of Maine, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton called controversial comments made Thursday about her daughter Chelsea part of a "troubling pattern of demeaning treatment" by MSNBC.--Perry Bacon Jr.

By Washington Post editors | February 9, 2008; 4:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (206)

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Huckabee Wins Kansas Caucus

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee easily won the Kansas caucus Saturday, defeating John McCain despite the Senator's vast lead among delegates in the race for the Republican presidential nomination.--Michael D. Shear

By Washington Post editors | February 9, 2008; 4:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (21)

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Nebraskans Overwhelm Caucus Capacity

Overrun by crowds, caucus organizers at Monroe Middle School declared a state of emergency, reports the Omaha World-Herald.

By Post Editor | February 9, 2008; 1:24 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (55)

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Romney and the Gramm-o-meter

With Mitt Romney officially out of the race, it's time for Republican strategist Alex Vogel to weigh in with his final Gramm-o-meter for the former Massachusetts governor.--Jonathan Weisman

By Washington Post editors | February 9, 2008; 11:55 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (4)

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Obama, Clinton Camps Spar Over Taxes, Rezko

Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign aides stepped up their effort to force Democrat Hillary Clinton to release her tax returns yesterday, to shed light on the sources of income that enabled her to loan $5 million of her own money to her presidential bid. --Matthew Mosk

By Web Politics Editor | February 8, 2008; 10:25 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (111)

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Brownback Stumps for McCain, but Does it Help?

WICHITA -- Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) is trying to help Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) become president. Whether he's helping -- that's another question altogether. --Juliet Eilperin

By Web Politics Editor | February 8, 2008; 9:23 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (3)

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N.M. Votes Still Being Tallied

The only Super Tuesday state yet to name a winner said today that it might not be able to announce whether Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama won until Feb. 15 -- a full 10 days after the balloting. --Garance Franke-Ruta

By Web Politics Editor | February 8, 2008; 7:48 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (6)

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Fred Thompson Backs McCain

By Michael D. Shear Fred Thompson, the one-time Republican presidential candidate, endorsed Sen. John McCain...

By Web Politics Editor | February 8, 2008; 7:18 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (41)

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Campaigning in Washington State, Obama Gets Gregoire

SEATTLE - Three Democratic contests are scheduled for Saturday, but the big prize is Washington and its 78 pledged delegates. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton spent Friday campaigning around the state and have split the major endorsements, with Clinton picking up both senators, Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, while Obama lined up Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, Rep. Adam Smith, and in a surprise addition on Friday morning, Gov. Christine Gregoire. --Shailagh Murray

By Web Politics Editor | February 8, 2008; 5:21 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (132)

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MSNBC Suspends Shuster Over Clinton Comment

On MSNBC yesterday, correspondent David Shuster asked, "Doesn't it seem as if Chelsea is sort of being pimped out in some weird sort of way?" Shuster plans to apologize tonight on "Tucker," the 6 p.m. show on which he was filling in for host Tucker Carlson yesterday. --Howard Kurtz

By Web Politics Editor | February 8, 2008; 3:52 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (596)

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Michigan's Missed Moment as Clinton-Obama Fight Continues

The clever people in Michigan who decided to get into a game of chicken with New Hampshire last fall over the timing of their Democratic primary should be having second thoughts this weekend.--Dan Balz

By Washington Post editors | February 8, 2008; 2:12 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (248)
Categories: Dan Balz's Take
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An Eventful Day at CPAC

At an annual meeting of conservatives in Washington, D.C., Mitt Romney ended his campaign, and John McCain turned his attention to shoring up support among conservatives as he prepares for the general election campaign. The Post's Dan Balz provides analysis.

By washingtonpost.com Editors | February 8, 2008; 8:10 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: A_Blog, John McCain, Video Report
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Bush Signals Support for McCain

President Bush plans to give an implicit endorsement of onetime rival John McCain's conservative bona fides tomorrow as the Arizona senator seeks to consolidate the party behind his candidacy. --Peter Baker

By Web Politics Editor | February 7, 2008; 10:01 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (45)

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James Dobson Preparing to Endorse Huckabee

Even as Sen. John McCain appeared to wrap up the GOP nomination with the departure of his chief rival, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, evangelical leader James Dobson is preparing to endorse Mike Huckabee, according to the Associated Press. --Michael D. Shear

By Web Politics Editor | February 7, 2008; 9:54 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (15)

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Obama Agrees to Debates with Clinton

OMAHA, Neb. -- Sen. Barack Obama agreed to two new debates with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and saw his post-Super Tuesday fundraising haul climb to over $7 million, as he hopscotches across the country seeking a trio of wins on Saturday. --Shailagh Murray

By Web Politics Editor | February 7, 2008; 7:28 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (172)

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Kerrey Appears in New Clinton Ad

After watching her rival rack up high-profile endorsements, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton unleashed a popular surrogate of her own on Thursday, airing a new ad featuring former senator Bob Kerrey of Nebraska -- two days ahead of his home state's caucuses. "I support Hillary because I like her, trust her, and have confidence in her as commander and chief," the script of the ad reads. --Anne E. Kornblut

By Web Politics Editor | February 7, 2008; 7:16 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (8)

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No Knock-Outs from Here to the Convention

If you review the delegate figures, you can only arrive at one conclusion: It is now basically mathematically impossible for either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama to win the Democratic presidential nomination through the regular voting process (meaning the super-delegates decide this one, baby!). --Paul Kane

By Web Politics Editor | February 7, 2008; 6:45 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: A_Blog, In Case You Missed It
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Clinton Campaigns in Virginia

ARLINGTON -- As she campaigns to win here in next Tuesday's primary, Sen. Hillary Clinton made the case against Sen. Barack Obama and for herself in a more concise way than she often does on the stump. --Perry Bacon Jr.

By Web Politics Editor | February 7, 2008; 6:09 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (87)

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Life in the Bubble: Condi vs. Romney

It's known as "the bubble." This is the strange netherworld occupied by senior U.S. officials and their staffs -- or presidential candidates and their staffs -- and the reporters who follow them around. We fly in the same plane, land several times a day in a variety of locations and are generally ignorant of the world outside the little aluminum tube that ferries us from place to place. Life is a jet-lagged blur. --Glenn Kessler

By Web Politics Editor | February 7, 2008; 5:41 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)

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John McCain Among the Conservatives

He got booed, some. But John McCain also got cheered, and most of the time the cheers drowned out the boos to the degree that McCain, making a dramatic appearance before the Conservative Political Action Committee gathering in Washington, might plausibly have felt himself amid allies. --Joel Achenbach

By Web Politics Editor | February 7, 2008; 5:15 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: A_Blog, Joel's Two Cents, John McCain
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John McCain's Perfect Ride

How did John McCain become the certain Republican nominee? With what they call in horse racing a perfect ride. --Joel Achenbach

By Web Politics Editor | February 7, 2008; 1:43 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (29)
Categories: A_Blog, Joel's Two Cents, John McCain
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Obama Camp Tries to Set Expectations for Potomac Primary

NEW ORLEANS -- Although Sen. Barack Obama had long been viewed as the favorite in all three of Tuesday's "Chesapeake" or "Potomac" primaries, campaign manager David Plouffe said the landscape has changed now that Clinton appears to be making a strong play for Virginia, tapping the outer counties of Northern Virginia and working class white areas further west. --Shailagh Murray

By Web Politics Editor | February 7, 2008; 1:19 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (131)

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Romney Ends Presidential Bid

Note: Please upgrade your Flash plug-in to view our enhanced content. var thisObj =...

By Web Politics Editor | February 7, 2008; 1:06 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (3)

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Sources: Romney to Exit the Race

Republican presidential hopeful former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney arrives in the parking lot of his...

By Web Politics Editor | February 7, 2008; 12:19 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (13)

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Obama and the L-Word

By Peter Baker It may no longer be surprising to watch so many young people,...

By Web Politics Editor | February 7, 2008; 11:45 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (60)
Categories: A_Blog, Barack Obama, Morning Cheat Sheet
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Recruiting Voters and a Quarterback, Obama Touches Down in New Orleans

Barack Obama (D-IL) arrives at the Tulane University before a campaign event in New...

By Web Politics Editor | February 7, 2008; 11:44 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (3)

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Potomac Primary: Barry to Endorse Obama

D.C. Council member Marion Barry will endorse Barack Obama for president later this week. The former Washington mayor told me he has selected Obama because "he's a fresh start, a new direction. I listened to him Sunday morning on C-SPAN and it was like a breath of fresh air." --Marc Fisher

By Web Politics Editor | February 7, 2008; 11:26 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (23)

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Internet Donors Fuel Obama

Word of Democrat Hillary Clinton's apparent financial problems struck many as a surprise yesterday. So what explains why her chief rival, Barack Obama, was able to vastly out-raise her in January?--Matthew A. Mosk

By Washington Post Editor | February 7, 2008; 9:34 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (90)

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Clinton Emphasizes Loan was 'My Money'

ARLINGTON -- In a 15-minute press conference at her Virginia campaign headquarters, Sen. Hillary Clinton said the $5 million she contributed to her campaign last month was "my money," and declined to say if she would put in any more. --Perry Bacon Jr.

By Web Politics Editor | February 6, 2008; 5:40 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (55)

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An Endorsement Post-Mortem

Do endorsements matter? Sen. Barack Obama had lined up some impressive backers in recent weeks, but Super Tuesday's results suggest the impact on voters was a mixed bag. --Shailagh Murray

By Web Politics Editor | February 6, 2008; 5:32 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (10)

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Romney's Blitzkrieg Flop

For those keeping score, Romney's 48-hour campaign blitz before Super Tuesday was an abysmal failure. --Glenn Kessler

By Web Politics Editor | February 6, 2008; 5:12 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (8)

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McCain Aide Crunches the Delegate Numbers

ABOARD THE MCCAIN CAMPAIGN PLANE -- There's a fine line between number crunching and being cocky, and it's a line Charlie Black tried mightily to negotiate as he discussed Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) delegate count with reporters this afternoon. --Juliet Eilperin

By Web Politics Editor | February 6, 2008; 4:37 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)

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Clinton Loaned her Campaign $5M

Sen. Hillary Clinton will announce today that she has loaned her campaign $5 million, a financial turn of events few could have predicted from the candidate who has for months been the Democratic primary money leader. --Matthew Mosk

By Web Politics Editor | February 6, 2008; 4:16 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (200)
Categories: A_Blog, Hillary Rodham Clinton, The Green Zone
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Evenly Matched Dems Portend a Long Race

The whole world was watching, but answers were no clearer on Wednesday morning. (Bloomberg News)....

By Web Politics Editor | February 6, 2008; 2:06 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (159)
Categories: A_Blog, Barack Obama, Dan Balz's Take, Hillary Rodham Clinton
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Obama Gears Up for Next Round

Barack Obama portrays himself as the challenger who did better than anyone expected in the Feb. 5 contests.--Shailagh Murray

By Washington Post editors | February 6, 2008; 12:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (49)

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McCain Pleased With 'Breadth' of Win

PHOENIX -- Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said this morning he would skip a planned trip to Europe this weekend and would instead continue campaigning across the country in an effort to lock up the nomination.--Juliet Eilperin

By Washington Post editors | February 6, 2008; 11:59 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (18)

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What Does the Muddle Mean?

Still crunching numbers here, looking at absentees in American Samoa, reading the exits from Alaska, etc., and the one obvious conclusion is that the contest for the Democratic nomination may be decided by the very frightening Credentials Committee mentioned yesterday by Howard Dean.--Joel Achenbach

By Washington Post editors | February 6, 2008; 10:33 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: A_Blog, Joel's Two Cents
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Obama: 'Our Time Has Come'

Presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) addresses his supporters after the Super Tuesday primary election results filter in.

By washingtonpost.com Editors | February 6, 2008; 1:16 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, Barack Obama, Video Report
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Missouri Lead Flips After Clinton Claimed It

After the Clinton campaign sent out a press release this evening claiming a win in Missouri, under the heading "Hillary's Big Night," the lead in the Show-Me State flipped -- with Obama moving ahead by a few thousand votes to claim victory. --Shailagh Murray

By Web Politics Editor | February 6, 2008; 1:09 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (153)
Categories: A_Blog, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Midwest, Primaries, The Democrats
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AK: Obama Freezes Out Clinton

Barack Obama claimed a commanding lead in Alaska, outpolling Hillary Clinton by more than 2-to-1, with 60 percent of precincts reporting.--Christopher Lee

By washingtonpost.com editors | February 6, 2008; 12:59 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (27)
Categories: B_Blog, Primaries, The Democrats, West
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Romney's Expenses Per Delegate Top $1M

Republican campaign operatives call it the Gramm-o-meter, the money a candidate spends per delegate won, in honor of Phil Gramm, the former Texas senator who spent $25 million and won just 10 delegates, or $2.5 million per. --Jonathan Wiesman

By Web Politics Editor | February 6, 2008; 12:53 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, John McCain, Mitt Romney, Primaries, The GOP
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ID: Obama Sweeps With 80 Percent

Barack Obama swept the Idaho Democratic caucuses like a sudden blizzard, getting 80 percent of the vote to Hillary Clinton's 15 percent. --David Brown

By washingtonpost.com editors | February 6, 2008; 12:53 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Primaries, The Democrats, West
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MA: How Clinton Won It

Hillary Clinton was propelled to victory in Massachusetts by women around the state, blue collar workers in old mill towns and a formidable political organization that delivered voters precinct by precinct. --Lyndsey Layton

By Web Politics Editor | February 6, 2008; 12:10 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, B_Blog, Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Northeast / Mid-Atlantic, Primaries, The Democrats
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AK: Obama Claims Early Lead

Barack Obama claimed an early lead in Alaska, pulling in 68 percent of the vote to Hillary Clinton's 32 percent with 20 percent of precincts reporting. --Christopher Lee

By Washington Post editors | February 6, 2008; 12:09 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Primaries, The Democrats, West
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UT: Romney Dominates; Obama Pulls Ahead

With a third of the precincts tallied, there are no surprises on the GOP side as Mitt Romney dominates in Utah with 88 percent of the vote. On the Democratic side, Barack Obama was pulling ahead of Hillary Clinton. --Josh White

By washingtonpost.com editors | February 6, 2008; 12:07 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Primaries, West
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MO: Tight Race Goes to McCain

The Associated Press and Fox News were projecting that Sen. John McCain would win the hotly contested Missouri primary.--Rob Stein

By Washington Post editors | February 6, 2008; 12:07 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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NY: Clinton Wins 46 Delegate Advantage

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) scooped up a 44-delegate advantage in her home turf of New York state based on Tuesday's voting, winning 138 delegates to 94 delegates for Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), according to a preliminary estimate by the New York State Democratic Party. --Spencer Hsu

By Web Politics Editor | February 6, 2008; 12:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Northeast / Mid-Atlantic, Primaries, The Democrats
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Confident McCain Sheds Underdog Tag

Even with the outcome of California's GOP primary not yet determined, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) told supporters at his victory party that when it comes to locking up his party's nomination, "I am confident we will get there."--Juliet Eilperin

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 11:55 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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GA: Huckabee Takes the Peachtree State

The Washington Post and other news outlets have projected former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee to be the winner of a slugfest with Sen. John McCain. Darryl Fears

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 11:49 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, John McCain, Mike Huckabee, Primaries, South, The GOP
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MT: Romney Easily Beats McCain

Romney claimed all 25 of Montana's Republican delegates last night, easily beating McCain 38 percent to 22 percent. --David Brown

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 11:48 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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TN: Fox News Says It's Huckabee

With more than half the votes counted, Mike Huckabee was leading with 37 percent of the vote. --Krissah Williams

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 11:44 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, John McCain, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, Primaries, South, The GOP
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MN: AP, CNN Project Romney Win

The Associated Press and CNN are projecting Mitt Romney as the winner over John McCain, Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul and Alan Keyes in Minnesota, giving the former Massachusetts governor an important win for his struggling campaign.--Christopher Lee

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 11:34 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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NJ: Giuliani Gave McCain the State

For his convincing win in the New Jersey GOP primary, Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) owes at least a nod to his ex-rival, Rudy Giuliani. --Joby Warrick

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 11:31 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: A_Blog, John McCain, Northeast / Mid-Atlantic, Primaries, Rudy Giuliani, The GOP
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With No Clear Winner, Spin Wars Fierce

By Matthew Mosk As returns rolled in from around the country, Hillary Clinton's campaign staff...

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 11:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Clinton Praises Supporters; Ca. Still Undecided

NEW YORK -- Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy, Sen. John Kerry and Gov. Deval Patrick all went for Barack Obama after long courtships in which they were wooed by both Clintons. But the Massachusetts voters chose Hillary Clinton. --Perry Bacon Jr.

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 11:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Northeast / Mid-Atlantic, Primaries, The Democrats
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MO: AP Calls for Clinton

Sen. Hillary Clinton has won the heavily-contested, closely-watched state of Missouri, according to the Associated Press. --Rob Stein

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 11:29 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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ND: Romney Wins 8 Delegates

Mitt Romney won North Dakota tonight by a wide margin, wrapping up eight of the state's 23 pledged delegates. John McCain, Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee each earned five of North Dakota's delegates. Three more delegates remain uncommitted. --Josh White

By washingtonpost.com editors | February 5, 2008; 11:27 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Midwest, Primaries, The GOP
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AZ: NBC Projects Clinton as Winner

In Arizona, with nearly half of poll results in, NBC has declared Sen. Hillary Clinton the winner. --Ann Scott Tyson

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 11:20 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, B_Blog, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Primaries, The Democrats, West
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Huckabee: A Vindication in Little Rock

So far tonight, Huckabee has won four states: West Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama and Georgia.--Jose Antonio Vargas

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 11:12 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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ND: Obama Wins Handily; Romney Ahead

Barack Obama beat Hillary Clinton handily in North Dakota tonight, taking 61 percent of the vote in the Democratic caucus to Clinton's 37 percent. Mitt Romney was ahead for the Republicans with 37 percent of the vote. --Josh White

By washingtonpost.com editors | February 5, 2008; 11:11 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Midwest, Primaries, The Democrats, The GOP
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Romney Camp Gears Up for Long Haul

Despite victories so far in only two states where he had a clear advantage -- Massachusetts and Utah -- the Mitt Romney campaign remains optimistic. --Glenn Kessler

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 11:05 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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AZ: CNN, Fox Declare McCain Winner

With more than 30 percent of the polls counted, Sen. John McCain had 50 percent of the vote to Mitt Romney's 30 percent according to official state data. --Ann Scott Tyson

By washingtonpost.com editors | February 5, 2008; 11:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Primaries, The GOP, West
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MN: Romney Leads as McCain and Huckabee Fight For Second

Early returns showed Mitt Romney in the lead and Mike Huckabee and John McCain fighting for second place in the nonbinding GOP primary. --Christopher Lee

By washingtonpost.com editors | February 5, 2008; 10:56 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Midwest, Primaries, The GOP
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TN: Clinton Staffers Celebrate Win

A dozen Hillary Clinton staffers celebrated in Clinton's Nashville headquarters tonight after watching returns. --Krissah Williams

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 10:55 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Primaries, South, The Democrats
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KS: Obama Wins Caucuses With 3-1 Margin

Barack Obama was declared the winner of the Kansas caucuses, thumping Hillary Clinton almost 3-to-1. --Marc Kaufman

By washingtonpost.com editors | February 5, 2008; 10:54 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Midwest, Primaries, The Democrats
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McCain Fans Party in Style

Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) operation has finally taken on the trappings of a successful GOP campaign as his supporters gathered at a swanky Phoenix hotel.--Juliet Eilperin

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 10:50 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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NY: Historic Turnout

New York Democrats turned out in record numbers, surpassing the state presidential primary record set in 1988 in sending home state Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) to a 59 percent to 40 percent victory over Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.).--Spencer S. Hsu

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 10:48 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Primaries, The Democrats
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MN: Obama Takes State

The Washington Post and several other news outlets are projecting Barack Obama as the winner over Hillary Clinton in the Minnesota Democratic caucuses.--Christopher Lee

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 10:42 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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AL: AP Gives Win to Huckabee, Obama

Weekend campaigning helps push Mike Huckabee ahead of John McCain, but doesn't help Hillary Clinton defeat Barack Obama. --Darryl Fears

By washingtonpost.com editors | February 5, 2008; 10:41 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Primaries, South, The Democrats, The GOP
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AZ: McCain Ahead, but Mormon Vote Boosted Romney

With polls closed in Arizona after a day of unusually high turnout, exit poll data show Republican Sen. John McCain winning comfortably on his home turf, but with a smaller than expected lead over his main rival Mitt Romney.-- Ann Scott Tyson

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 10:35 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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MO: Clinton Takes Lead

Hillary Clinton is opening a 57 percent to 38 percent lead over Barack Obama with a quarter of the vote tallied. --Rob Stein

By washingtonpost.com editors | February 5, 2008; 10:31 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Midwest, Primaries, The Democrats
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ND: Obama Investment May Pay Off

The North Dakota Democratic Party has begun reporting early returns from rural caucuses tonight, and it appears that Obama's attention to the state might be paying off.--Josh White

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 10:17 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Obama an 'Underdog' Again

CHICAGO -- When CNN called Delaware for Barack Obama moments ago, supporters gathering now in a basement ballroom here let out a robust cheer. But they really let it rip when CNN switched to a live shot of the room. --Shailagh Murray

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 10:13 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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OK: McCain Posts Narrow Win

John McCain narrowly won the Oklahoma primary, according to Post projections.--Marc Kaufman

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 10:13 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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MN: Obama Sprints to Early Lead

Sen. Barack Obama jumped out to a more than two-to-one lead over Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton with 11 percent of the vote counted in Minnesota, which saw historic turnout at the party's caucuses.--Christopher Lee

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 10:08 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Primary Season: When Will It End?

What if it's not over? What if it's not even close to over? This is turning into a scary night. --Joel Achenbach

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 10:07 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, Primaries, The Debate Rages On..., The Democrats, The GOP
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GA: Obama Celebration; GOP Waits

Georgia supporters of Sen. Barack Obama. (Ill.) started celebrating early after the Democratic candidate was predicted to win soon after voting ended.--Darryl Fears

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 9:57 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Primaries, South
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NY: McCain Swamps Romney

Exit polls showed McCain won New York by outpacing Romney by a wide margin among Republicans, even while lagging behind Romney among "very conservative" GOP voters by 20 percentage points. --Spencer Hsu

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 9:51 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, B_Blog, John McCain, Mitt Romney, Northeast / Mid-Atlantic, Primaries, The GOP
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At Romney's Party, Waiting for More Victory

Mitt Romney's "victory party," being held at the Boston convention center, is still awaiting its second win.--Glenn Kessler

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 9:49 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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DE: McCain, Obama Win

Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain won solid victories on a day of unusually heavy voter turnout in the First State. --Rick Weiss

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 9:44 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Barack Obama, John McCain, Northeast / Mid-Atlantic, Primaries, The Democrats, The GOP
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NJ: Clinton Wins in Garden State

The Washington Post is projecting that Sen. Hillary Clinton (NY) has won the New Jersey Democratic primary.--Joby Warrick

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 9:43 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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CO: Overflow Caucus Crowd

As doors opened in Colorado, some caucus locations were so full that people were spilling into the hallways. --Josh White

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 9:35 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Primaries, West
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KS: Obama Ahead

Barack Obama is leading in the Kansas caucus, pulling ahead of Clinton in the race for the 32 delegates to be selected.--Marc Kaufman

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 9:29 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Midwest, Primaries, The Democrats
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OK: McCain Has Small Lead

With almost 15 percent of the vote counted, McCain has a small lead over Huckabee.--Marc Kaufman

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 9:26 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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MN: Historic Turnout

Voting in Minnesota's Democratic caucuses closed at 9 p.m. EST, and initial indications pointed toward a record turnout.--Christopher Lee

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 9:22 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Midwest, Primaries, The Democrats
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TN: Tornadoes Hurt Obama's Chances

The tornadoes that touched down in western Tennessee tonight hurt Sen. Barack Obama in the state, said the state's Democratic Party spokesman Wade Munday.--Krissah Williams

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 9:21 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (41)
Categories: A_Blog, B_Blog, Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Primaries, South, The Democrats
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NY: Clinton's Homework Pays Off

Clinton maintained her strong pre-election day lead over Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) across most demographic lines in the state that twice elected her to the U.S. Senate. Exit polls showed Clinton held onto a greater share of African American voters in N.Y. than elsewhere, while also carrying men and triggering a high turnout among women. --Spencer Hsu

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 9:11 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, B_Blog, Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Northeast / Mid-Atlantic, Primaries, The Democrats
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MT: Romney and McCain Neck and Neck

Early returns show Mitt Romney and John McCain tied for the lead in Montana's first-ever GOP caucuses, with Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul tied for third. --David Brown

By washingtonpost.com editors | February 5, 2008; 8:55 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Primaries, The GOP, West
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AR: Former Gov., First Lady Projected Winners

Former governor Mike Huckabee and Hillary Clinton, the state's former first lady, have won the Arkansas primary, according to several news organizations. --Rob Stein

By washingtonpost.com editors | February 5, 2008; 8:47 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Mike Huckabee, Primaries, The Democrats, The GOP, West
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Rove Joins Pundits, Thick on the Ground

There's pundit gridlock at CNN. Meanwhile, on Fox, look who's here: Karl Rove. --Joel Achenbach

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 8:42 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, Joel's Two Cents, Primaries, The GOP
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IL: Obama's Home Run

Sen. Barack Obama won his home state in a rout, according to Washington Post projections. Exit polls showed Obama trouncing Sen. Hillary Clinton by more than 30 points -- a margin he maintained among women, who have boosted Clinton's prospects in past contests.--Elizabeth Williamson

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 8:40 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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MN: Caucus System Sinks Participation, Paper Argues

Minnesota's biggest newspaper is no fan of the parties' presidential caucuses, arguing that the state should have a presidential primary instead, and skip nonbinding "beauty contests." --By Christopher Lee

By washingtonpost.com editors | February 5, 2008; 8:35 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Midwest, Primaries
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OK: Networks Call for Clinton

Hillary Clinton has won the Oklahoma primary, according to news outlets including The Post, AP, CNN and CBS. --Marc S. Kaufman

By washingtonpost.com editors | February 5, 2008; 8:31 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Primaries, The Democrats, West
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CA: Some Ballot Trouble for Independents

The crush of new independent voters in California is causing problems at the polls, with widespread complaints that those voters aren't be offered ballots that allow them to vote for the presidential candidates.--Robert Barnes

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 8:28 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (36)

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NJ: Garden State Goes for McCain

Exit polls showed McCain drawing strong support among moderates and independents. He even ran well among evangelical voters, with only conservative voters reported to be backing Romney. --Joby Warrick

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 8:17 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, B_Blog, John McCain, Mitt Romney, Northeast / Mid-Atlantic, Primaries, The GOP
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TN: Fox News Gives It to Clinton

Fox News called Tennessee for Sen. Hillary Clinton as polls closed in the state.--Krissah Williams

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 8:09 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, B_Blog, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Primaries, South, The Democrats
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MO: Heavy Turnout Despite Wintry Mix

Polls closed in the hotly-contested state of Missouri, where election officials reported a heavy turnout despite heavy rain, sleet, freezing rain and snow. --Rob Stein

By washingtonpost.com editors | February 5, 2008; 8:06 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Midwest, Primaries, The Democrats, The GOP
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T.V. Talk Turns to Exit Polls

On CBS, they're making it sound like it's going to be a bad night for Hillary, apparently based on exit polls. There is talk of an Obama "surge." The only catch with these exit polls is that many people have not yet exited the polls, since the polls are still open all across the country, except in West Virginia, where there never were any polls, just a secret convention of men in trench coats. --Joel Achenbach

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 7:56 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, Barack Obama, Candidates, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Joel's Two Cents, John McCain, Primaries, The Democrats
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Talking Points From Clinton for Everyone

No need to wait for Clinton surrogates to start talking on television after the polls close. The Clinton campaign is helpfully e-mailing out its talking points.--Anne E. Kornblut

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 7:45 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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IL: Does Mother Know Best?

As wealthier Chicago suburbanites shift from blue to red, this massive bloc of reliable voters are a constant source of worry to Chicago's Democratic machine. They are enigmatic folks, these people -- people such as, well, my mother.--Elizabeth Williamson

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 7:17 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Obama Camp Needles Clinton

CHICAGO, Ill. -- Obama campaign manager David Plouffe gave the brush off to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's challenge to four new debates. --Shailagh Murray

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 7:09 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Primaries, The Democrats
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GA: Obama Sweeps the State

The Washington Post is projecting that Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) has won the Georgia Democratic primary. --Darryl Fears

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 7:06 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, B_Blog, Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Primaries, South, The Democrats
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AZ: Confusion Erupts, Could Delay Results

Confusion erupted at some Arizona polling places today when some voters arrived to cast ballots - only to be told their vote wouldn't count, or to be turned away. --Ann Scott Tyson

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 6:52 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Primaries, West
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DE: Turnout No Longer 'Abysmal'

Voter turnout appeared good -- "not overwhelming," but also "not abysmal," as it was four years ago, a state elections official said. --Rick Weiss

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 6:50 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Joe Biden, Northeast / Mid-Atlantic, Primaries, The Democrats
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AK: Could Ron Paul Win?

Ron Paul will not merely do well in Alaska's GOP presidential caucuses, his supporters say. They believe the Texas congressman and well-known libertarian can top the field. --Christopher Lee

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 6:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, B_Blog, Mitt Romney, Primaries, Ron Paul, The GOP, West
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OK: Thompson Fans Moving to McCain

Former Sen. Fred Thompson had polled well in Oklahoma before he pulled out, and many of his supporters seemed to be moving to McCain.--Marc Kaufman

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 6:10 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Midwest, Primaries, The GOP
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Delegates in Limbo Await Their Fates

Howard Dean was just on CNN, getting all tangled up in questions about those Florida and Michigan delegates. Officially, they don't count. They're dead. They're ghostly essences screaming in the torment of primary-season damnation. But wait: Maybe they really just exist in a kind of Purgatory, and, if Sen. Clinton has her way, they will still manage to ascend to the Democratic National Convention. --Joel Achenbach

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 6:08 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, Joel's Two Cents, Primaries, The Democrats
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ND: Battling for N. Dakota Delegates

North Dakota's Democratic caucuses opened their doors yesterday afternoon to heavy turnout, part of a response to the Obama campaign's unprecedented effort in the state. Rick Gion, communications director for the North Dakota Democratic Party, said caucus locations are "experiencing really heavy turnout" across the state. --Josh White

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 5:59 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Primaries, West
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IL: The Obama Clock

What does it say about Illinois's favorite son when nobody is tending the Obama Clock?Elizabeth Williamson

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 5:56 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, Barack Obama, Midwest, Primaries, The Democrats
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MA: University Polls Give Edge to Clinton

An NBC-Suffolk University poll of three Boston suburbs that have historically proved good predictors of election day outcomes, gives Hillary Rodham Clinton the win. --Lyndsey Layton

By washingtonpost.com editors | February 5, 2008; 5:52 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Northeast / Mid-Atlantic, Primaries, The Democrats
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AL: Only Twisters Are at the Polls

Despite forecasts of thunderstorms and possibly tornadoes as the night wears on, Alabama voters were turning out in droves, officials in the state elections office said. By noon, 20 percent of registered voters in Montgomery County had voted, matching the county's total in the 2004 primary. --Darryl Fears

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 5:47 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Primaries, South
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MN: Caucus Fever on a Chilly Night

Republicans appear to be headed for the party's nonbinding presidential caucuses in droves tonight. -- Christopher Lee

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 5:33 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Midwest, Primaries
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NJ: Rusty at This Primary Business

Poll officials say they're having to turn away an unusually large number of would-be voters who had either failed to register with a political party or wanted to vote for a candidate from a different party. --Joby Warrick

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 5:19 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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OK: Turnout Close to '96 Record

Oklahoma voters are going to the polls and some are predicting record turnout, with many pleased to be taking part in a selection process that is usually finished by the time Oklahomans vote. --Marc S. Kaufman

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 5:15 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (4)

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Super Tuesday Brain Map

You need to separate your "official" thoughts from your "political" thoughts. It's like separating cerebral analysis from intuition. There is thinking, and there is feeling. This isn't just about numbers, after all: It's about our emotional reaction to the numbers, and more importantly, how we feel about our emotional reaction to the numbers. And how that will "play" politically. Whatever you do, don't overthink it. --Joel Achenbach

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 5:08 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, Joel's Two Cents, Primaries
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Terminator Muscle (and Line) Behind McCain

Standing together in an airport hangar here, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger celebrated the beauty of the American immigrant story -- and its limits.--Juliet Eilperin

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 4:53 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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AR: Record Early Voting

Officials were reporting no problems and a big turn-out. More than 59,000 voters had submitted ballots in early voting, surpassing the number of early voters in the previous two presidential elections. --Rob Stein

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 4:37 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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NY to Bloomberg: No Vote for You

New York has a closed primary for those registered with a political party. In June, Michael Bloomberg -- a onetime Democrat who ran for mayor as a Republican -- quit the GOP to become a political independent. --Keith Richburg

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 4:35 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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CA: Democrats, Get Your Calculators Ready

California Democrats: Calculators ready? Deciding who wins how many delegates tonight will not be for the faint of heart. --Robert Barnes

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 4:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Upbeat Obama Casts His Vote

CHICAGO -- Barack Obama came home today to cast his first vote for himself since 2004, and to prepare for what he predicted would be a "good night" for his campaign. --Alec MacGillis

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 4:26 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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ID: Savoring a Vote That Matters

Idaho hasn't had a meaningful say in a Democratic primary race since 1976 when one of its senators, the late Frank Church, ran for president against Jimmy Carter. For years, the state's Democratic caucuses limped along, with one-fifth of the state's counties in any given election season unable to muster enough interest to hold one. -- David Brown

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 4:22 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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KS: 5 Inches of Snow No Damper on Enthusiasm

Weather in Kansas turned cold and in some places very snowy, with as much as 5 inches on the ground in Colby in the western part of the state by early afternoon, but state Democratic Party officials said their phones are still ringing off the hook. --Mark S. Kaufman

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 4:14 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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GA: Contenders Phone It In

You are a presidential candidate in the campaign of your life, and California and New York are the prize states, the places to be on election day. But you wish you could somehow be a key southern state like Georgia. What do you do? --Darryl Fears

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 4:12 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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NY: Heavy Turnout, Few Problems

Voting in New York was reportedly heavy statewide, with isolated accounts of machine malfunctions in Brooklyn, a major battleground between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. --Spencer Hsu

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 4:06 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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MO: In Key State, Early Problems Solved

Though it's been smooth sailing so far, officials make plans to deliver results in case of inclement weather.--Rob Stein

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 3:48 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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TN: Keep an Eye on Shelby County

The tug-of-war between Obama and Clinton could come down to black voters, UT prof. Mike Fitzgerald said. He will be looking closely at exit polls in heavily African American Shelby County, near Memphis. If Obama makes a strong showing there, it is a sign he could do better than expected in Tennessee, Fitzgerald said. --Krissah Williams

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 3:47 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Talk Turns to Huckaboom II

Yes, Mike Huckabee is back, and with his West Virginia momentum he's unstoppable. He hadn't won so much as a game of Minesweeper since the Jan. 3 Iowa Caucuses, but today he edged out Mitt Romney, and won the entire slate of 18 delegates, at some sort of convention in Charleston. --Joel Achenbach

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 3:45 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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First Stop at Home for Romney: The Voting Booth

After a whirlwind 48 hours crisscrossing the country in search of votes, Mitt Romney returned to his home in this tony suburb of Boston to cast a ballot for himself.--Glenn Kessler

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 3:40 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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WV: Huckabee Wins

Mike Huckabee won the race for West Virginia's 18 at-large delegates today in that state's first "GOP Presidential Convention," a caucus-like affair in Charleston that assigns the bigger half of the state's 30 delegates. --Rick Weiss

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 3:05 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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CT: 'Astounding' Showing for Primary Vote

George Cody, registrar of voters in New Canaan and president of the state's association of registrars, has been running polling places for 20 years and says he's never seen anything like this primary.--Lyndsey Layton

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 2:51 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Clinton Challenges Obama to a Debate a Week

If further evidence were needed that Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton does not expect to sweep up tonight, she is now challenging Sen. Barack Obama to a debate a week going forward, her advisers said as voters were at the polls on Super Tuesday. --Anne E. Kornblut

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 2:45 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (103)

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CA: Tuesday Prize Fight Could Go Into Wed.

California's most famous politically incompatible couple -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (McCain) and First Lady Maria Shriver (Obama) -- voted early this morning, two of what is estimated to be a record 8.9 million Californians participating in today's primary.--Robert Barnes

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 2:42 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (29)

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IL: Early Ballots Show Young Voter Spike

In Cook County, which encompasses most close-in Chicago suburbs, early ballots cast by suburban voters were, at 60,000, nearly double the county's previous record of 32,000 cast in the 2006 gubernatorial election.--Elizabeth Williamson

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 2:35 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Obama's Message Evolving

Barack Obama is throwing out more partisan red meat than he used to. --Alec MacGillis

By Web Politics Editor | February 5, 2008; 2:27 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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MT: Candidates Can Call In Caucus Pitch

A call from each GOP candidate to party headquarters in Helena will be routed to locations in the state's 56 counties, where caucusing Republicans can listen in to the presidential aspirants' final pitches.--David Brown

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 2:24 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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MO: Weather May Affect Voting

State election officials are expecting a large turnout, but the weather may hinder some voters. --Rob Stein

By Post Editor | February 5, 2008; 2:22 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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UT: Clear Skies and Records for Romney?

When polls opened for Utah's primary this morning at 7 a.m., state officials were already pleased with the results because early voting had nearly pushed the state past its turnout in 2000. --Josh White

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 1:53 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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AL: Late Rain Could Affect Voting

Late voters could be hampered by more than just confusion and the occassional machine malfunction. There is a 70 percent chance of rain this afternoon, and showers could last past the 7 p.m. CST close of voting. --Darryl Fears

By Washington Post Editor | February 5, 2008; 1:40 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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CO: Snow to Have Little Effect on Caucuses

Evening caucuses are expected to proceed on schedule. State party officials say voters are accustomed to winter weather. --Josh White

By Post Editor | February 5, 2008; 1:32 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Defining Success on Super Tuesday

In a pair or races characterized by twist and turns, Super Tuesday may well provide us a few more.

By Post Editor | February 5, 2008; 1:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, Dan Balz's Take
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WV: Romney Top Vote-Getter in First Round

The first round of Republican delegate voting is complete in West Virginia. But with no candidate winning a majority, the process is set to go into a second round with the first round's top three vote-getters: Romney, Huckabee, and McCain. Ron Paul is toast.--Rick Weiss

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 1:28 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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MA: Turnout Could Beat Kennedy Record

In Massachusetts, election officials say voter turnout today may beat the record set in 1980, when Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the wildly popular senior statesman, was seeking the presidential nomination against Jimmy Carter.--Lyndsey Layton

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 1:22 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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GA: 200 Complaints Before Noon

Long lines greeted Georgia voters at the polls this morning in one of the tightest state primaries in recent memory. --Darryl Fears

By Washington Post Editor | February 5, 2008; 1:20 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Limbaugh Weighs In

Rush Limbaugh denounced John McCain today over a letter written on his behalf by Bob Dole, accusing McCain's presidential campaign of "a dirty little trick."--Howard Kurtz

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 1:03 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (105)

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NY: A Baby for the D'Amatos

Former New York Sen. and his wife announce the birth of a son. --Spencer S. Hsu

By Post Editor | February 5, 2008; 12:56 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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CT: Steady Turnout

Turnout in Connecticut has been steady through the morning and could set a primary record, elections officials said. --Lyndsey Layton

By Washington Post Editor | February 5, 2008; 12:51 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Romney Clarifies Dole Comments

CHARLESTON, W.V. -- Gov. Mitt Romney sought today to clarify his comments on 1996 GOP presidential nominee Robert J. Dole, saying "I would love to have Bob Dole's support" and that he respected him as a war hero and "fine man."--Glenn Kessler

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 12:51 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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AK: Worth Staying Up To See

Alaska won't report the results of its Super Tuesday party caucuses until close to midnight EST, but the vote offers something for political junkies that might be worth staying up late to see. --Christopher Lee

By Washington Post Editor | February 5, 2008; 12:43 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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CA: SF Mayor for Clinton Because of Obama Snub?

Hillary Clinton's got a number of California's big-city mayors on her side, but perhaps she has Barack Obama to thank for the support of one of them, Gavin Newsom of San Francisco. --Robert Barnes

By Washington Post Editor | February 5, 2008; 12:42 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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A Mid-90s Detour, This Time With the GOP

Just moments before taking off for California, Sen. John McCain told reporters on his chartered jet that he was "very sad" to hear Mitt Romney's comments about considering Dole the last person he would want to help out his presidential bid.--Juliet Eilperin

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 12:34 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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TN: Heavy Rain, Heavy Turnout

Voting is steady, but heavy rain is falling and tornadoes may touch down in West Tennessee. --Krissah Williams

By Post Editor | February 5, 2008; 12:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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NY: Brooklyn Neigborhood Loves Obama

Turnout is high at one polling station in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Voters came in the light rain of a foggy day, and came out smiling. Almost all said they voted for Sen. Barack Obama in informal exit polls over several hours here. --Robin Shulman

By Washington Post Editor | February 5, 2008; 12:28 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Romney Seeks W.V. Momentum

CHARLESTON, W.V. -- Hoping for some early momentum on Super Tuesday, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney this morning sought support from a GOP convention that will award 18 delegates to the national convention. The roll call of 1,200 delegates will take place before noon, meaning the results will be reported before polls close in primary states.--Glenn Kessler

By Washington Post editors | February 5, 2008; 12:20 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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MN: Dems Buzzing Before Caucus Starts

Minnesota's Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party presidential caucuses don't start until this evening, but excitement and buzz is building already among the party faithful. The Republican caucus vote here is nonbinding--GOP delegates will be selected at the state party convention in May. --Christopher J. Lee

By Washington Post Editor | February 5, 2008; 12:14 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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NJ: Gov. Corzine Waits to Vote

Gov. Jon Corzine's is delayed in casting his vote when two voting machines malfunction. --Joby Warrick

By Post Editor | February 5, 2008; 12:06 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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NM: A Mystery State

Polls are open in New Mexico, with 6,000 early votes cast in the Democrats-only caucus. New Mexico is a bit of a mystery state because no reliable polls have been conducted. --Ann Scott Tyson

By Washington Post Editor | February 5, 2008; 11:58 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (8)

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AR: High Turnout, Tornado Warnings Expected

With a former governor in the Republican race and a former governor's wife running as a Democrat, Arkansas officials expect a big turn-out. More than 59,000 voters submitted ballots in early voting, more than in either of the previous two presidential elections.--Rob Stein

By Washington Post Editor | February 5, 2008; 11:28 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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AZ: Early Ballots Could Have Impact

Polls are open in Arizona, where the weather in Phoenix is fair and home state candidate Republican Sen. John McCain is widely predicted to win. But Democratic contenders Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama are in an increasingly competitive race, with Clinton holding onto a shrinking lead. --Ann Scott Tyson

By Washington Post Editor | February 5, 2008; 11:21 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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NY: Clinton, McCain Start Early

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) voted near her home in Chappaqua, N.Y. and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) rallied at Rockefeller Center with former mayor Rudy Giuliani. --Spencer S. Hsu

By Post Editor | February 5, 2008; 11:20 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Network News

44: February 3, 2008 - February 9, 2008