Kerry leading Dean; Kucinich 3rd early in Maine's caucuses

[maddezmom]

Kerry leading Dean; Kucinich 3rd early in Maine's caucuses

02/09/04

Jonathan D. Salant
Associated Press


John Kerry seized an early lead in the Maine caucuses Sunday as the Democratic front- runner sought a three-state weekend sweep to boost his daunting advantage in the primary race.

Based on 50 percent of the votes counted, the Democratic Party in Maine said the Massachusetts senator led Howard Dean, who was second, and Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Cleveland, who was third.


Kerry had 45 percent of the vote, Dean 26 percent and Kucinich 15 percent.

~snip~

Maine State Party Chairwoman Dorothy Melanson said it was too early to declare a winner. At stake were 24 pledged delegates to the Democratic National Convention.
More: http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1076327795132460.xml

But earlier headline from same source:

Kerry wins in Maine; Dean, then Kucinich are 2nd, 3rd in count

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1076327738132460.xml

did not include comments by Maine State Party Chairwoman Dorothy Melanson.

[dsc]

1. I have no earthly idea how they projected this race

given that no exit or entrance polls were conducted (or at least linked at CNN's site). I admit that it is very unlikely that Dean would win given the vote totals so for but not impossible.