Reply #16: I got it from an article in the Chicago Tribune today (good list of upcoming races) [View All]

[bigtree]

Sizing up the Democratic race, Tad Devine, an expert on the party's nominating rules, told The New York Times: "One candidate or the other will try to show sustained momentum. Someone will try to sweep the mid-Atlantic states on Feb. 12 and then pick up Wisconsin a week later. If someone sweeps those states, that's one thing. But if they split, it continues the pendulum swing and Ohio-Texas becomes essentially a showdown day."

But first it's the Potomac Primary, where many analysts believe Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) has the edge over Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.).

Virginia's Democratic primary rules allow independents to cast ballots, which could work in Obama's favor. Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine has endorsed Obama.

In Maryland, a recent poll gives Obama a double-digit lead. Michael Cryor, chairman of the Maryland Democratic Party, is neutral in the race, but he noted that Clinton has the endorsements of many party leaders, including Gov. Martin O'Malley and Sen. Barbara Mikulski. Obama, however, could run strongly in Baltimore, the Washington suburbs and many rural areas. Both candidates have started advertising and sending out mailings.

The city of Washington has a black majority, and Obama is likely to do well there.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-next_wedfeb06,1,1704163.story?page=1&cset=true&ctrack=1