The Trail: A Daily Diary of Campaign 2008

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The Pre-Spin from West Virginia

The Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama campaigns argue the meaning of tonight's likely Clinton win. --Eli Saslow | More »

McCain Supporting Pastor Apologizes

Pastor John Hagee apologized today in a letter to the Catholic League for comments that angered Catholic leaders. --Michael D. Shear | More »

McCain Breaks with Bush on Climate Change

John McCain broke sharply with President Bush today, arguing for mandatory curbs on greenhouse gas emissions and issuing emissions credits to polluters. --Juliet Eilperin | More »

Clinton Running Hard in West Virginia

Hillary Clinton presses her case in the sixth-to-last state to vote. --Anne E. Kornblut | More »

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February 5, 2008

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 11:55 PM ET | Comments (8)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 11:49 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 11:48 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 11:44 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 11:34 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 11:31 PM ET | Comments (2)

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.

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 11:30 PM ET | Comments (28)

With No Clear Winner, Spin Wars Fierce

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 11:30 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 11:29 PM ET | Comments (31)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 11:27 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 11:20 PM ET | Comments (1)

Huckabee: A Vindication in Little Rock

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 11:12 PM ET | Comments (3)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 11:11 PM ET | Comments (1)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 11:05 PM ET | Comments (21)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 11:00 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 10:56 PM ET | Comments (0)

TN: Clinton Staffers Celebrate Win

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 10:55 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 10:54 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 10:50 PM ET | Comments (1)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 10:48 PM ET | Comments (2)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 10:42 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 10:41 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 10:35 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 10:31 PM ET | Comments (4)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 10:17 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 10:13 PM ET | Comments (3)

OK: McCain Posts Narrow Win

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 10:13 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 10:08 PM ET | Comments (1)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 10:07 PM ET | Comments (4)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 9:57 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 9:51 PM ET | Comments (2)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 9:49 PM ET | Comments (4)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 9:44 PM ET | Comments (2)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 9:43 PM ET | Comments (7)

CO: Overflow Caucus Crowd

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 9:35 PM ET | Comments (3)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 9:29 PM ET | Comments (0)

OK: McCain Has Small Lead

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 9:26 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 9:22 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 9:21 PM ET | Comments (28)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 9:11 PM ET | Comments (1)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 8:55 PM ET | Comments (1)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 8:47 PM ET | Comments (0)

Rove Joins Pundits, Thick on the Ground

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 8:42 PM ET | Comments (4)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 8:40 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 8:35 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 8:31 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 8:28 PM ET | Comments (26)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 8:17 PM ET | Comments (0)

TN: Fox News Gives It to Clinton

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 8:09 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 8:06 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 7:56 PM ET | Comments (1)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 7:45 PM ET | Comments (1)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 7:17 PM ET | Comments (2)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 7:09 PM ET | Comments (38)

GA: Obama Sweeps the State

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 7:06 PM ET | Comments (1)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 6:52 PM ET | Comments (8)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 6:50 PM ET | Comments (2)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 6:30 PM ET | Comments (7)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 6:10 PM ET | Comments (2)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 6:08 PM ET | Comments (2)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 5:59 PM ET | Comments (0)

IL: The Obama Clock

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 5:56 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 5:52 PM ET | Comments (2)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 5:47 PM ET | Comments (1)

MN: Caucus Fever on a Chilly Night

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 5:33 PM ET | Comments (2)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 5:19 PM ET | Comments (6)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 5:15 PM ET | Comments (4)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 5:08 PM ET | Comments (1)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 4:53 PM ET | Comments (2)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 4:37 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 4:35 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 4:30 PM ET | Comments (1)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 4:26 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 4:22 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 4:14 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 4:12 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 4:06 PM ET | Comments (2)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 3:48 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 3:47 PM ET | Comments (1)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 3:45 PM ET | Comments (41)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 3:40 PM ET | Comments (5)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 3:05 PM ET | Comments (47)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 2:51 PM ET | Comments (3)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 2:45 PM ET | Comments (93)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 2:42 PM ET | Comments (11)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 2:35 PM ET | Comments (10)

Obama's Message Evolving

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 2:27 PM ET | Comments (23)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 2:24 PM ET | Comments (3)

MO: Weather May Affect Voting

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 2:22 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 1:53 PM ET | Comments (2)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 1:40 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 1:32 PM ET | Comments (0)

Defining Success on Super Tuesday

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 1:30 PM ET | Comments (60)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 1:28 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 1:22 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 1:20 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 1:03 PM ET | Comments (105)

NY: A Baby for the D'Amatos

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 12:56 PM ET | Comments (0)

CT: Steady Turnout

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 12:51 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 12:51 PM ET | Comments (8)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 12:43 PM ET | Comments (2)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 12:42 PM ET | Comments (17)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 12:34 PM ET | Comments (0)

TN: Heavy Rain, Heavy Turnout

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 12:30 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 12:28 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 12:20 PM ET | Comments (4)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 12:14 PM ET | Comments (0)

NJ: Gov. Corzine Waits to Vote

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 12:06 PM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 11:58 AM ET | Comments (8)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 11:28 AM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 11:21 AM ET | Comments (0)

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

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 11:20 AM ET | Comments (2)

NY: Lowey Recovering from 'Coronary Incident'

Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) is feeling better and hopes to leave the hospital tomorrow after suffering a minor coronary incident during a campaign rally Saturday. --Spencer Hsu

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 10:30 AM ET | Comments (3)

McCain Vows Victory in New York

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) gave a spirited speech early this morning in Rockefeller Plaza -- but only after New York GOP chairman Ed Cox delivered an introduction so lengthy that at least one of the officials onstage started rolling his eyes. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on February 5, 2008 at 10:24 AM ET | Comments (3)

 

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