POLITICS: NC, IN DEMOCRATIC PRIMARIES RECAP

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

The Associated Press reports that the Indiana Democratic Primary drew so many voters (more than 1.6 million) that some precincts ran out of ballots. A few precincts were even ordered to stay open an additional hour. North Carolina also enjoyed record turnout: more than half of all registered Democrats cast a ballot, exceeding 2 million.

“We now know who the Democratic nominee will be,” according to Tim Russert.

North Carolina voter, Shaunita Wallace (L), casting her ballot in Wilmington on Tuesday afternoon. (Photo: Rob Jones / Concrete Loop)

Following a win in N.C. on Tues., Sen. Barack Obama is within 200 delegates of securing the Democratic nomination.

Obama stated, “This primary season may not be over, but when it is, we will have to remember who we are as Democrats … because we all agree that at this defining moment in history — a moment when we’re facing two wars, an economy in turmoil, a planet in peril — we can’t afford to give John McCain the chance to serve out George Bush’s third term.”

Sen. Hillary Clinton won the Ind. Dem. primary, but reports have surfaced that she has loaned over $6 million to her campaign in the past month. During her victory speech, she asked her supporters to visit her website and contribute money.

Clinton called her win the tie-breaker (following her win in Pennsylvania and Obama’s in N.C.) and thanked the voters for their support. “It’s full speed ahead to the White House,” she added.

It is being reported, though, that former presidential candidate Gen. Wesley Clark, a Clinton supporter, called to tell her it’s over. Additionally, former Sen. George McGovern, who backed Clinton, urged her to drop out on Wednesday and announced plans to endorse Obama. Clinton, however, has vowed to continue fighting for the nomination.