Sign in Subscribe
Dean, Howard

Missouri Democratic Primary: Kerry Expected to Win, Campaigns Impacted by Condensed Schedule

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

With the Democratic primary season in full swing, Missouri is set to hold its primaries on February 3, featuring seven candidates, with front-runner John Kerry expected to win the state's prized 74 delegates. The condensed primary schedule has left candidates with limited time to campaign in the state, making television advertising, mailings, and internet communications crucial in informing voters about their policies and strengths.

Key Takeaways:

  • John Kerry is expected to win Missouri's 74 delegates, with polls showing him at 44% and other candidates in single digits.
  • The condensed primary schedule has left candidates with limited time to campaign in Missouri, resulting in a low-key campaign with minimal television and newspaper coverage.
  • Key players, including Howard Dean and Gen. Wesley K. Clark, have not invested in television advertising in Missouri, with Kerry and Edwards allocating relatively small amounts to the state.
  • Missouri's voters are largely undecided, with 19% of voters still unsure, and many expressing a desire to vote for the candidate most likely to defeat President Bush.
  • Economic concerns, particularly in St. Louis, are a major issue, with voters in the city and surrounding areas expressing concerns about job losses and aviation industry slump.
  • Dr. Dean's strategy in Missouri has been perplexing, with his campaign manager stating that winning 15% of the vote is a modest target, and Dean himself saying his goal is not to win any of the contests.

Statistics:

  • 74 delegates are up for grabs in Missouri's Democratic primary.
  • 19% of voters are undecided, according to a poll by The St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
  • 44% of voters support John Kerry, according to the same poll.
  • $80,000 was allocated by Kerry to television advertising in Missouri, while Edwards allocated $120,000.
  • Dr. Dean's goal is to win 15% of the vote, a number he has stated is a modest target.

Sources:

  • The New York Times
  • The St. Louis Post-Dispatch
  • John Petrocik, University of Missouri political scientist

Read more