100% of returns in: Dean wins DC 43-34 in above average turnout

[CMT]

100% of returns are in and Howard Dean has defeated his nearest rival Al Sharpton in the minority dominated District of Columbia primary by nine-percentage points:

Dean: 17,736 43%
Sharpton: 14,248 34%
Braun: 4,824 12%
Kucinich 3,435 8%

About 15 percent of eligible voters cast ballots, more than other recent presidential primaries in the city but far below the number who typically vote in races for mayor or general election for president.

Still in '00 about 8.8% turnout in primary, so this is a sharp increase.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A13061-2004Jan13.html

[Lefta Dissenter]

1. I hope that the above average turnout

is a sign of things to come.

[AndyP]

7. good

Even though the vote didn't really mean much I think it's really important that so many people showed up to vote. (I know that sounds cliche but....)

[LuminousX]

2. This is great news

Sets a great foundation for future wins.

[janx]

4. It really does--

and after that attack by Sharpton in the last debate, it's doubly good.

[AP]

3. Only two people were on the ballot in '00 (and they were both white)

[CMT]

10. I believe that Sharpton and Braun were also on the ballot

The WP lists those who were on ballot and their votes and they include both these people.

[AP]

11. In 2000? My argument: higher turnout because black voters came out to

vote for black candidates. Isn't black popluation of DC around 80%?

[CMT]

12. yes you are correct

sorry I missed the '00.

Still the more turnout the better and the more impressive the Dean victory actually.

[Larkspur]

5. This is a good way to start "regular season"

as we say in collegiate basketball world.

I'm glad DC had almost the double turnout and that Dean won. Good job DC Grassroots for Dean!

[debannbull]

6. do I sense

a trend? has to start someplace, why not DC? They can welcome him to the neighborhood soon

[TLM]

8. Woo hoo.... Dean did better than I expected...

After Sharpton's BS attacks on Dean not having any blacks or latinos in his cabinet for Dean to do this well in DC vs Sharpton is a really good sign.


Though I doubt this will give him much of a boost going into Iowa, the Carter appearance later this week should put Dean well over the top in Iowa while Gep and Kerry fight for 2nd.

[bigwillq]

9. Good for those who voted

Not surpried though by the close vote. I think it'll be close in most states besides the candidates home base. I think the Iowa debate, Sharpton's comments about Dean and Dean failing to show up in the D.C. debate had an effect.

[GOPBasher]

13. I'm confused about something.

DC votes before Iowa? Can someone fill me in? :shrug:

[LuminousX]

14. It is non-binding

Yes, they actually are first in nation... unless you count Santa Cruz who held their caucus already.

[GOPBasher]

23. Thanks for the help.

:)

[NewYorkerfromMass]

15. Sharpton the big story here, and with Braun they total 46%

A lot of blacks are proud of Al.

[CMT]

16. Actually Dean is big story

Among a minority dominated electorate and with higher turnout of voters Dean beat out two well-known minority candidates. Worth remembering too that Jesse Jackson beat Mondale in '84 in DC and Dukakis in '88 in DC.

This demonstrates that Dean has more appeal in the minority community than some of you think.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

21. "Most of the major candidates skipped the D.C. race...." EOM

[LuminousX]

22. Exactly, which made it a race between Sharpton and Dean

for the African-American vote of D.C. Dean won.

[dolstein]

17. 15% turnout is "above average"? Damn, that's sad . . .

NT

[ThomWV]

18. Sounds More Like Dean Wins 43 to 34 in 100% Meaningless Primary

x

[LuminousX]

20. But it means D.C. endorses Dean

[mmonk]

19. Above average turnout

Hopes this bodes well for our candidates and eventual nominee and is characteristic of the country in general.