Although Kerry is on a clear path to win the NH primary, plenty of drama remains. Right now, second place is a total muddle, with Dean, Clark and Edwards all in the mix. If Dean doesn't finish second, which he probably will, he's toast. Third place is important for both Clark and Edwards heading into the February 3 primaries. They are both doing well in the polls for that series of seven mostly-Southern primaries. Kerry and Dean have spent their political careers as next door neighbors to NH; they should finish one-two.
Think about the following scenario: Kerry wins NH but on February 3, only wins one other state while Dean, Clark and Edwards each win two. It could happen. I think things will thin out after February 3, but there's still a chance that the March 2 primaries will still mean a lot by the time they roll around.
Posted by brettdavey
at 9:23 AM EST
