John Kerry cruised to easy victory in yesterday's Democratic presidential primary. He took 7 of 10 counties to defeat his chief rival, former Vermont governor Howard Dean by 13 points. Afterwards, loyalists of both candidates said they were pleased with the outcome.
New Hampshire Public Radio's Josh Rogers has more.
John Kerry celebrates his win in the New Hampshire primary. (Courtesy Jordan McNerney)
According to former state Democratic Party chairman Joe Keefe, John Kerry?s big win was the inevitable conclusion of a plotline that?s been developing all primary long.
Antipathy towards George W. Bush is what fueled Howard Dean?s surge at the beginning?..And it?s what?s fueling JK?s surge now??The difference is we are moving from anger to electibility. And I think as that happens you are seeing a movement from Howard Dean to John Kerry.
The Massachusetts Senator ran strongest in the state metropolitan areas, but enjoyed healthy support in every county, and from a wide spectrum of primary voters.
I think this guy can govern.
Glen Secor is a Concord attorney.
I?m not a Bush hater?..I actually voted for Bush over gore, and I actually supported the war initially because I believed what they were telling us. But the way things have worked out and the way they are spending like drunken sailors it?s time for a change.
But an indication of the breadth John Kerry?s support is that traditional, blue collar democrats also flocked to his side. John Kucher of Sanbornton?..is a union electrician. Kerry won his vote for his economic policies.
The main thing for me was his labor record??We need more people in this country to make a living. We don?t need lots of low wage jobs ? they don?t support families, they don?t but health insurance.
According to exit polls, voters who thought heath insurance was the greatest concern chose Kerry over former Vermont governor Howard Dean. The Doctor turned politician had made increased heathcare access his signature domestic issue. It was part of his larger message about reinvigorating the democratic base, and reducing the influence of the wealthy and powerful in politics. For supporter, Ann Richard that message rings just as true today as when Dean was the democratic frontrunner.
I believe?..in him a lot of people believe in him. He?s the only choice?..he really is, he?s wonderful??.has great ideas?And I love him and everyone here does?.we?re still behind him.
The effort to see the bright side of a disappointing result extended to the highest ranks of the Dean camp. State director Karen Hicks preferred to look at the outcome in comparison to the campaign?s troubles of the past week, rather than it?s apparent success a month ago.
Well I think we had a good showing today?..I?m really proud of work gov dean did and our campaign did?..to rebound after an upset in Iowa?And there?s no question that we really took a hammering from the press and the other candidates during the past two months?.and we are looking forward not back and we are ready to go.
The campaigns of Howard Dean and John Kerry now move on the 7 states with primaries on February 3rd. Both candidates will visit each state before election day.
