West Needs Earlier Primaries

Predictably, Kerry has won Washington, but more interesting is the rest of the results:

WA Caucus w/71% reporting
Kerry	48%
Dean	31%
Kucinich	9%
Edwards	6%
Clark	3%
Sharpton	*

Obviously, the “left” coast isn’t like the rest of America. Were California (the largest state in terms of population and delegates) or even Washington allowed to vote earlier, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Let’s face it, and I think few will argue here, Kerry isn’t winning because he’s so fantastic, he’s winning because of the “safe vote” factor present in middle-of-the-road states like Iowa, and the friggin’ endless — and entirely premature — media attention on “Dean’s Downfall” following those early primaries.

All things considered, Dean’s showing in WA is respectable. Let’s see how Michigan shapes up. I suspect Dean won’t do so well there.