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[DoveTurnedHawk]

Clark Shocks Kerry as New Hampshire Voters Boost War Heroes

Associated Press (Manchester, NH): Riding a wave of support from Independent voters, General (Ret.) Wesley K. Clark edged out fellow war hero Senator John Kerry 30% to 28% in New Hampshire yesterday, in a shocking upset that defied the polls and is sure to ignite Clark's candidacy. Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean came in third at 19% and Senator John Edwards took fourth with 14%. No other candidate garnered more than single-digit support.

Exit polls attribute Clark's upset victory to Independent voters, who are allowed to vote in either the Republican or Democratic primary in New Hampshire. Statewide, Independents outnumbered registered Democrats last night, 54% to 46%. Among Democrats, Kerry had a clear advantage over Clark, 40% to 23%, but Clark prevailed over Kerry among Independents by a margin of 2 to 1.

A jubilant Clark declared, "Gert and I are grateful for all the time we had to get to know the people of New Hampshire, and we are grateful for their support. This is a great win, and I can't wait for February 3rd." Polls have indicated Clark has significant support in states voting on February 3, and his unexpected victory in New Hampshire will likely further increase his support.

Kerry was gracious in his remarks, but vowed to fight on. "General Clark ran a great campaign, and I have nothing but good things to say about him. But I think it's also clear based on the numbers that our message is resonating among Democrats, and I think we're going to do great among Democrats next week." Nearly all of the states holding elections on February 3 are "closed primary" states, where only registered Democrats can vote in their own contests.

In stark contrast to his fiery concession speech in Iowa, Dean was subdued last night, but he too vowed to continue his campaign for the Democratic nomination. "Of course I'm disappointed, but we got delegates in New Hampshire, and we're running a national campaign. We've got the money and the message to do well next week, and we will do well."

Edwards, who narrowly missed the 15% threshold to earn delegates, nevertheless pointed to his recent rise in the polls here and the upcoming contests in the South. "We moved up from single digits just last week to a great finish here in New Hampshire, and we've been raising lots of money, and next week is South Carolina. We're going to win in South Carolina and we're going to do well all throughout the South, so this campaign is really just getting started."

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