Florida Primary Results

McCain Becomes Front-Runner

Giuliani, Edwards Withdraw

Gee, what a wild tenty-four hours! Yesterday Florida voters went to the polls and voted in their party's primary. On the Republican side, John McCain won an impressive victory over Mitt Romney. This now gives him a lead in delegates, and gives him the front-runner status. Here are the GOP results:

1. McCain: 36%
2. Romney: 31%
3. Giuliani: 15%
4. Huckabee: 14%
5. Paul: 3%

After a bad showing, coming in third, Rudy Giuliani dropped out of the race today. Once the national front-runner, he skipped the early primaries to focus directly on Florida, however it did not work out for him. Giuliani publically endorsed McCain today, saying he will help him in whatever way he wants. What I found interesting was when McCain said Giuliani will join him in the campaign as his right hand man. Do we see a possible GOP ticket brewing?

On the Democratic side, no delegates were at stake because they got punished. However Hillary Clinton did win. Here are their results:

1. Clinton: 50%
2. Obama: 33%
3. Edwards: 14%

Today, John Edwards also withdrew from the race saying it was time for him to leave. He has not endorsed a candidate. This now sets up a tough battle between Clinton and Obama. It should get very fun! Super Tuesday is almost here!

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.

Michigan Primary Results

Romney Gets Needed Victory

Yesterday was the Michigan Primary, and a big day for Mitt Romney. He won the Republican primary with John McCain coming in second. Here are the GOP results:

1. Romney: 39%
2. McCain: 30%
3. Huckabee: 16%
4. Paul: 6%
5. Thompson: 4%
6. Giuliani: 3%

Democrats were not competing in the state because all of their delegates were stripped for voting to early. This is why the picture above is very awkward. Barack Obama and John Edwards took their name off the ballot. Hillary Clinton kept her's on, and that's why she won. Here are the Democratic results:

1. Clinton: 55%
2. Uncommitted: 40%
3. Kucinich: 4%

Next stop is on Saturday. Nevada holds their caucus for both parties. Clinton, Obama, and Edwards are in a tough battle. Republicans aren't really putting that much effort in the state. That's because South Carolina holds their Republican primary the same day. That's shaping up to be a tough battle between Mccain, Huckabee, Thompson, and possibly Romney.

Your Thoughts

It's been sort of a quiet couple of days. Beside watching the race for President evolve, it's been more low key. So I decided to put up a post where you can comment about anything.

Such as the race for President (Michigan Primary is tomorrow). The race for Congress. ICE in Danbury. Certain people's endorsements for President (Dodd remains quiet). What you think will be accomplished in the upcoming General Assembly and Congressional sessions. Local races (such as State Rep. and State Senate seats) we will see in November.

It's all up to you.

New Hampshire Primary Results

The Comeback Kids

McCain, Clinton Win

Well, yesterday was a bad day for the political pollsters. Hillary Clinton beat Barack Obama by two percent, even though she was down in just about every poll. John Edwards polled a distant third. Here are the Democratic results:

1. Clinton: 39%
2. Obama: 37%
3. Edwards: 17%
4. Richardson: 5%

The true comeback kid is John McCain, as he won a very impressive victory. He beat Mitt Romney by six percent. Mike Huckabee kept a little momentum from Iowa, and came in third. Here are the Republican results:

1. McCain: 37%
2. Romney: 31%
3. Huckabee: 11%
4. Giuliani: 9%
5. Paul: 8%
6. Thompson: 1%

In my opinion Hillary Clinton showed that she truly is a very strong contender, and that Obama love is not as strong as many thought. McCain's win is so huge for him, as many thought he was out back in the summer. He managed to come back from the dead and prove everyone wrong.

Michigan holds their primary on Tuesday, but the Democrats aren't really competing because they were stripped of delegates. However, the Republicans will have a tough fight between Romney (this is his birth state), McCain, Huckabee, an maybe Giuliani (this does go against his strategy though). We will wait and see what happens, but we have a LONG way to go.

A Very Big Day

Tomorrow is the New Hampshire primary. For some candidates this contest can either make or break their campaign. Here's a look at the most recent polls.

First, John McCain has centered his whole campaign on a strong showing in New Hampshire. A few months ago he looked dead, and this is his only chance to fully make a comeback and continue forward. Some say a McCain victory would suddenly make him the GOP front-runner, but a lose would probably end his chances.

Mitt Romney needs to probably win New Hampshire to stay alive. His strategy would of failed if he lost because his plan was to do very well in Iowa and New Hampshire. A McCain win could put a huge dent in Romney, and probably (I could be very wrong though) make him getting the nomination not that likely.

One of them will win, with the other coming in second. The third place winner is probably a toss-up between Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani. Ron Paul could also pull a shocker. Most polls have Huckabee in third, but Giuliani is actually campaigning in this state. This could end up being very interesting.

Barack Obama has a double digit lead in many polls over Hillary Clinton. It is shocking what has happened to her in the past week. Now, she definitely has the resources and ability to come back even with a lose tomorrow. I do find it harder though, but the question we need to ask is if Obama love is going to last. If it does, she's in trouble.

John Edwards will probably come in third. He doesn't have as much money, and the organization he had in Iowa. It is hard to see how he could end up being the nominee, but I guess it could happen.

Well, New Hampshire voters have a big and tough decision to make tomorrow. It's time for predictions. What do you think is going to happen? (I'll say McCain and Obama pull it out.)

Iowa Caucus Results

Huckabee, Obama Win

Dodd Drops Out

A month ago I said that I felt the Republican race would probably come down to just Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney. Boy, was I wrong! Since then, a guy named Mike Huckabee came along, and John McCain is mounting a huge comeback.


Also about a month ago, Hillary Clinton looked like the Democratic nominee, however a lady named Oprah came to support Barack Obama and he has only been moving forward since.



Yesterday, the Presidential race officially started, as the Iowa Caucus was held. Mike Huckabee won an impressive victory on the GOP side, by nine percent. Mitt Romney, who had put tons of money into Iowa, came in second. Fred Thompson followed in third, with John McCain in fourth, however just about two-hundred fifty votes behind Thompson. Here are the official results:

1. Huckabee: 34%
2. Romney: 25%
3. Thompson: 13%
4. McCain: 13%
5. Paul: 10%
6. Giuliani: 3%

Change and hope propelled Democrats to vote for Barack Obama, winning by eight percent. John Edwards came in second, and Hillary Clinton in a very close third. Our Senator Chris Dodd came in sixth, dropping out of the race. Joe Biden also dropped out. Here are the official results:

1. Obama: 38%
2. Edwards: 30%
3. Clinton: 29%
4. Richardson: 4%
5. Biden: 1%

Well, now they go to New Hampshire, which will vote on Tuesday. Many say that this is a must win for Romney, who has based his campaign on doing well in Iowa and New Hampshire. However, McCain has come back from the dead, and polling very well in the state. Also, some say Hillary needs to win here, or else she won't have any momentum and lose in South Carolina, and not be able to mount a comeback.



I think Romney needs to win, or else he is done. I do think Hillary is capable of coming back if she does lose New Hampshire. Also, Edwards I feel is basically done, since he didn't win Iowa, and doesn't have the money Obama and Hillary have. What I find interesting is Giuliani's strategy, which may either work great or turn out very bad.



What does seem to be appearing very clear is that the youth absolutely loves Obama, and he gets them out to vote. We'll have to see if this continues because if it does, Republicans should be very nervous. Only time will tell.

Poll Results

First here are the results to our latest polls. Republicans were asked to choose between whether they would vote for David Cappiello or Tony Nania in a potential Republican Congressional primary. Here's what you said:

David Cappiello: 33 (67%)
Tony Nania: 16 (33%)

Democrats were asked which candidate they would support for Governor in 2010. The participation in this poll was bad, but here are the results anyway:

Richard Blumenthal: 2 (50%)
Susan Bysiewicz: 0 (0%)
Dan Malloy: 2 (50%)
Jim Amann: 0 (0%)

We are going to take a break from polls for a little bit. As you probably all know, tomorrow is the Iowa Caucus. This means that the wait is over, and the race for President is here! I'm going to try my best to put a lot of attention on this during the many weeks a head.

Happy New Year!

Well 2008 is here! Have a happy new year everyone! Get ready for one of the best political years we will ever see.