Rell Endorses McCain

Governor Jodi Rell has endorsed John McCain in his quest to become the Republican nominee for President.

Rell has stayed neutral up until now, indicating at times that she may choose McCain or Rudy Giuliani. The Governor is pro-choice, which is what may have delayed her announcement. However, with Giuliani fading, the McCain endorsement makes a lot of sense.

This now gives McCain a very strong base here in Connecticut. Not only does he have Governor Rell, but he also has Senator Joe Lieberman and Congressman Chris Shays. Lt. Governor Mike Fedele announced today that he too supports the Arizona Senator. He also leads in the latest poll by double digits. McCain won our state in 2000.

South Carolina Democratic Primary Results

Obama Wins Huge

Democrats went out to vote yesterday in South Carolina. They chose Barack Obama by a huge margin. Hillary Clinton came in second and John Edwards in third. Here are the numbers:

1. Obama: 55%
2. Clinton: 27%
3. Edwards: 18%

This was a big win for Obama, as he now gains momentum going into Super Tuesday on Feb. 5th. It should be interesting what happens based on this win. Many expected him to win, however I believe the strength of his victory was what surprised a lot of people.

Some wonder how much race had to do with this primary contest. Interesting enough Obama won the African American vote huge, and actually Edwards won the vote from white voters. It was a very interesting day in South Carolina, and it is going to only get more fun from here.

Murphy, Cappiello Release Numbers

Congressman Chris Murphy and State Senator David Cappiello have released their fourth quarter fundraising numbers.

Murphy raised about 331 K. He raised a total of 1.4 million in 2007, and has 1.2 on hand. Cappiello raised about 131 K. He raised about 400 K in 2007, and has about 238 K on hand.

Going into a new year should be very interesting to watch. A possible Republican primary is being talked about, and these numbers may have a big influence on whether it happens or not. Time will only tell. Cappiello did raise a lot of money by a grassroots organization, however Murphy does have a very nice lead over him in finances.

Endorsements

I have compiled a list of who some of our state and local officials have decided to endorse for President.

Governor Jodi Rell has yet to decide on a candidate. Rumor has it that she may before our state's primary on February 5th, and that she is leaning towards either McCain or Giuliani. Senator Chris Dodd has yet to endorse anyone as well, ever since his withdrawal from the campaign. Here is a list of some of some people's endorsements that you may find interesting.

John McCain

• Senator Joe Lieberman
• Congressman Chris Shays

Rudy Giuliani

• State Senate Minority Leader John McKinney
• State House Minority Leader Larry Cafero

Mitt Romney

• Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton

Hillary Clinton

• Attorney General Richard Blumenthal
• Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy
• Bridegport Mayor Bill Finch
• State Representative Bob Godfrey
• State Representative Jason Bartlett

Barack Obama

• Senate President Pro Tem Donald Williams
• Ned Lamont

Connecticut's Preference?

The Hartford Courant has released a poll regarding Connecticut primary voters preference on the Presidential candidates. The results, especially on the Republican side may surprise you.

Democrats said that they prefer Hillary Clinton over Barack Obama, by a fairly big number. Here are the results:

1. Clinton: 41%
2. Obama: 27%
3. Edwards: 9%

On the Republican side, voters went with who they did in 2000, John McCain. This is very different from older polls that had Rudy Giuliani, the hero from next door, leading. McCain has a huge double digit lead. Here are their results:

1. McCain: 39%
2. Giuliani: 16%
3. Romney: 11%

I find it weird how Giuliani has slipped so much in our state. If he were to win Florida, it could get more interesting. I know I haven't spent a lot of time covering more local stories, however this race has become so intense and interesting that I find it hard not to report on. It should be fun to see who Connecticut goes with on February 5th.

South Carolina Republican Primary Results

McCain Comes Out On Top

On Saturday, South Carolina voters casted their votes in the state's Republican Primary. After a bitter defeat eight years ago to then-Texas Governor George W. Bush, John McCain came away with the win. Here were the results:

1. McCain: 33%
2. Huckabee: 30%
3. Thompson: 16%
4. Romney: 15%
5. Paul: 4%
6. Giuliani: 2%

Some say the results may narrow the field slightly. Personally, I feel Fred Thompson is done, and it's just a matter of time until he announces that. Also, I don't see how Mike Huckabee can become the nominee because many states coming up are not necessarily in his playing field. He'll probably stay long though, just to be considered a running mate (maybe to McCain).

They all go to Florida next, where Rudy Giuliani has practically lived for about a month. McCain has shown strength in the state, and it may come down between the two. I don't see how Giuliani could really be the nominee if he were to loose Florida. If McCain wins, he would probably be seen as the front-runner.

Mitt Romney shouldn't be forgotten either. He leads in delegates, but I think he faces a very tough road ahead. We shall see.

Nevada Caucus Results

Clinton, Romney Win

Yesterday, the voters in Nevada came out to caucus. Hillary Clinton pulled off an impressive win over Barack Obama. In my opinion, John Edwards did awful. Here were the Democratic results:

1. Clinton: 51%
2. Obama: 45%
3. Edwards: 4%

On the Republican side, Mitt Romney won huge. However, he was the only Republican to campaign in the state over the past few days, while the rest were in South Carolina. What's odd here is that Ron Paul came in second. It goes to show that nobody had a real base of support in Nevada, besides Romney. Here are the GOP results:

1. Romney: 51%
2. Paul: 14%
3. McCain: 13%
4. Huckabee: 8%
5. Thompson: 8%
6. Giuliani: 4%

This win has put Romney in the lead when it comes to delegates. However, he is not considered the front-runner. Clinton has gained momentum since her Iowa lost, and we will probably see a very tough battle between her and Obama this Saturday in South Carolina.