Posted on 07/04/2003 10:33:37 PM PDT by LdSentinal
WASHINGTON - While President Bush tours the nation drawing huzzahs from the Republican multitudes and raises millions for his re-election bid, a few hopeful Democrats are more quietly trying to muster the support required to depose him.
With just over six months before the initial Democratic showdown in the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 19, nine contenders are positioning themselves to grab the party nomination.
Polls indicate that few Americans can identify any of the hopefuls. Meanwhile, Bush collected as much money in the most recent fund-raising quarter - more than $34 million - than all the Democratic contenders combined. But each candidate insists he has Bush in his sites and that, after the primary smoke clears, the incumbent will appear significantly more vulnerable.
"With George Bush in the White House, we have seen a 'get mine and get out' ethic that glories a creed of greed," said Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., considered one of the front-runners.
At this point, analysts note, none of the nine has broken from the pack. And it is generally accepted that a clear picture probably won't emerge until after the opening rounds, perhaps Feb. 3 when South Carolina, Arizona, Missouri, Delaware and, possibly, New Mexico hold primaries.
The campaigns are trying to raise money, get endorsements, assemble staffs and develop organizations on the local level. Six candidates - Kerry, former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, Rep. Dick Gephardt of Missouri, and Sens. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, John Edwards of North Carolina and Bob Graham of Florida - are seen as being on the upper tier. Three others - former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois, Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio and the Rev. Al Sharpton - are behind.
And the field may not be closed. Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware and retired Gen. Wesley Clark are contemplating late runs.
A look at the top six:
Howard Dean - The New England physician is the biggest surprise and currently the only contender generating anything close to momentum, thanks to a campaign style that has proved attractive to the party's left flank. Dean has presented himself as a Washington outsider and is viewed as the leading voice in opposition to America's venture into Iraq. The $7.5 million he reportedly collected this quarter leads the pack.
"When we said last week during the governor's announcement that 'You have the power,' we had no idea just how much power our supporters had," said Joe Trippi, Dean's campaign manager. "They are people participating directly in their democracy, and doing whatever they can to help us take our country back - giving $20, $30 or $50. This is people-powered Howard."
John Kerry - The only candidate with combat experience has collected around $11 million this year - the most among the Democrats - and assembled a crack staff, many of whom toiled for then-Vice President Al Gore during his near-miss in 2000. Polls show Kerry leading in New Hampshire, site of the nation's first primary and a Massachusetts neighbor.
Joe Lieberman - The party's vice-presidential contender in 2000 was thought to be in trouble. But thanks to a last-minute e-mail push - "The last few hours have brought a record number of donations through our Web site. Now, with only four hours left before the end of the second quarter, I need your help to put me over the finish line," it read - Lieberman ended with a respectable $5 million. Much of his time has been spent picking up endorsements and he is placing much emphasis on the Feb. 3 Arizona primary.
Dick Gephardt - The former House Democratic leader attracted attention early on with his proposal for universal health care. Surveys point to him as the current leader in Iowa. The campaign is counting on a strong showing from union households - a traditional base of support - to offset a disappointing fund-raising period. His campaign set a second-quarter target of $5 million, but hasn't released any figures.
John Edwards - He was an early surprise, collecting $7 million during the first quarter, and he received good reviews for his populist theme. But polls show he has yet to make inroads in Iowa and New Hampshire, and likely will have to perform well in South Carolina. He is expected to bring in $5 million for the second quarter.
Bob Graham - The Florida lawmaker was a latecomer. He was slowed by a heart operation and is continuing to play catch-up. However, his criticism of the administration's handling of the war on terrorism has attracted attention. He pulled in between $2 million and $3 million for the second quarter.
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