Dems debate, and Wyoming votes
The much overlooked and unanticipated Wyoming GOP primary has taken place with only 3 GOP candidates receiving votes. CNN has reported that Romney has won Wyoming with 67%, Thompson 2nd with 25%, and Duncan Hunter 3rd with 8%. They will each get a proportional number of Wyoming's delegates to the GOP convention. Most of the candidates are focused on the upcoming primaries in New Hampshire, then South Carolina, then the many states on the February 5th "Super Tuesday."
The Democrats held a debate yesterday, which was a positive move for all their candidates, as they each get exposure for their ideas and comments as the public's eye turns towards politics and the upcoming primaries. See http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=4091841 for the story. It appears that yet again Obama has outshined Clinton in a debate with Clinton seeming to lose her composure. Of added interest this time is that Edwards jumped to Obama's side in calling Clinton part of the establishment resisting change, a comment in lock step with Obama's theme. This may well be a first attempt or a floated interest by Edwards at the V.P. slot on Obama's ticket, and will only add to Obama's momentum. Richardson criticized all the other Democrats for not maintaining a decorum of civility in the debate, an unusual move for someone whose potential is limited to being one of their V.P.'s. Still, with Edwards and Obama joining in their criticism of Clinton, this may be seen as an attempt to deflect criticism at her. It is still likely that Richardson's spot in this race is to aim for being Clinton's V.P. candidate.
In New Hampshire, Rasmussen Reports is forecasting an Obama victory with Obama polling at 37%, Clinton at 27%, Edwards with 19%, and Richardson with 8%. If Obama wins, that will further eradicate Clinton's support as the inevitable Democratic nominee and increase his chances in the national race. Although the full effects of the Iowa caucus results are not yet reflected in recent polling, Rasmussen (who uses three day averages) has Clinton in 1st nationally at 38%, Obama in 2nd at 25%, and Edwards in 3rd at 20%. An Obama win in New Hampshire would be a big one-two punch against Clinton's campaign.
On the GOP side, it is going to be down to McCain or Romney in New Hampshire. McCain has 31% and Romney 26%. Ron Paul has 14%, Huckabee 11%, Giuliani has 8%, and Thompson 5%. Despite Huckabee's win in Iowa, New Hampshire voters are rather different than Iowa voters and he is unlikely to rise much higher there. Ron Paul's 14% is largely due to his anti-tax and anti-war platforms which are consistent with the popular beliefs of New Hampshire voters. Giuliani's paltry 8% indicates a furthering faltering of his campaign, as he was expected to do well in a northeastern state, but looks to finish in 5th, give or take a spot. Not cracking the top 4 or 5 in either Iowa or New Hampshire will likely diminish his national standing further. Thompson's 5% will likely hurt him as well nationally. Although his third place finish in Iowa was respectable, 6th in New Hampshire is not. Both McCain and Romney have campaigned heavily in New Hampshire, with McCain receiving the help of former Democrat and now Independent Senator Joe Lieberman, who some speculate as a potential running mate on McCain's ticket, already something of an independent type voter himself. Whichever of the two win will get a national boost, although 2nd place will not break either of them.
