If Lieberman drops out, where will his support go?

[ignatiusr]

Obviously he has/had zero chance of winning the nomination, but his numbers are fairly substantial in several key states.

My personal opinion is that his support will be divided mostly between Clark and Gephardt, but I'm not sure who will receive the majority. Edwards isn't viable enough at the moment to receive much, and I don't know, but for some reason I can't see Lieberman people becoming Kerry people either.

Where does everyone else think they will go?

[CMT]

1. according to the Pew Poll of New Hampshire voters

cited in a thread below--more Lieberman supporters would go to Dean than to Clark, Kerry, or Gep.

[ignatiusr]

3. What?

I don't see anything like that in the Pew results. Where does it say that?

[CMT]

6. here is a link

http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?ReportID=198

"Current supporters of Clark and Lieberman lean towards Dean over Kerry as their second choice."

It is under the heading Candidate Standings in New Hampshire, in the second paragraph towards the end.

[rbnyc]

9. Interesting.

I hope we find out soon.

[polpilot]

2. Definitely Dean.

.

[liberalnurse]

4. All will look to Dean.....

This endorsement by Gore is a major, major political play. It gives new meaning to aggressive-progressive campaigning.

[greyl]

5. I'd guess to Kerry. nt

[OffWithTheirHeads]

7. based on his performance so far, I'd guess

Bush.
Seems like the one he is most aligned with.

[rbnyc]

8. I think you're probably right.

That was my first impulse when I read your question. Clark came to mind right away. But it's hard to say. Things change fast. Candidates could be redefined a few times before Joe packs it in.

[mndemocrat_29]

10. Gephardt would be my first choice

People who back Lieberman appear to be very establishment DLCers. I think that someone like Gephardt, Kerry, or possibly Clark if the race becomes two-legged could benefit.

However, Dean may gain some support because of Gore's endorsement. I'm sure there are a handful of Lieberman supporters (and by handful I mean 10-15 percent) who are supporting him just because of Gore. Gore's endorsement may send those voters into Dean's corner.