SNEAK PEEK: Beltway Battles
Voters in Maryland, Virginia and D.C. have their say on Tuesday night
February 11, 2008— -- Feb. 12 – Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC primaries and Democrats Abroad Caucuses
175 Democratic delegates at stake
113 Republican delegates at stake
Hillary Clinton may have a slim lead in the overall delegate estimate (on the strength of her support from superdelegates) but her losing streak could continue tomorrow when voters head to the polls in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.
The Clinton streak certainly is not quite as dismal as the Miami Dolphins starting off the season 0-13. But tomorrow's primaries and contests in Hawaii and Wisconsin on Feb. 19 are the Clinton campaign's last chances before the critical March 4 primaries to gain back the momentum they seem to have lost to Obama as he racks up wins and hauls in cash.
Things to look for on Mid-Atlantic Tuesday:
- African-American turnout, especially in Maryland, where state Democratic Party officials predict it could be as high as 60 percent in their primary (compared to 35 percent in the 2004 Democratic primary). The competitive primary in Maryland's fourth congressional district between two African-Americans, Rep. Albert Wynn and challenger Donna Edwards, could drive up African-American turnout.
- Delegate allocation on the Democratic side – if Obama wins big he may be able to take a slim lead in the overall delegate estimate so far. But if Clinton keeps it close, her superdelegate edge and the proportional allocation system could keep her out in front. Stay up to speed on the ABC News delegate estimate here.
- Republican turnout in the southwest corner of Virginia – if Huckabee can perform strongly enough here to blunt McCain's strongholds in the Tidewater area (Virginia Beach, Norfolk), he could make it a contest. Don't forget McCain's "agents of intolerance" line in Virginia in the 2000 presidential primary season, referring to the late Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. He has changed his tune, but his campaign should probably not count on a strong showing in that corner of the state.
- Hispanic voters in Northern Virginia. The population of these suburbs outside of Washington DC are exploding and a high turnout of Hispanic voters could help Hillary Clinton in these congressional districts.
Before the polls open tomorrow, Clinton and Obama sit down with WJLA's Leon Harris and Politico's John Harris for back-to-back interviews airing tonight at 7:00 pm ET on the ABC affiliate in Washington DC.
Plan your night around…
7:00 PM ET POLL CLOSING
VIRGINIA- Republican Primary - open
| Polls open: | 6:00 am ET |
| Polls close | 7:00 pm ET |
VIRGINIA- Democratic Primary- open
| Polls open: | 6:00 am ET |
| Polls close: | 7:00 pm ET |
8:00 PM ET POLL CLOSING
MARYLAND- Republican Primary - closed
| Polls open: | 7:00 am ET |
| Polls close: | 8:00 pm ET |
WASHINGTON, DC- Republican Primary - closed
| Polls open: | 7:00 am ET |
| Polls close: | 8:00 pm ET |
MARYLAND- Democratic Primary - closed
| Polls open | 7:00 am ET |
| Polls close: | 8:00 pm ET |
WASHINGTON, DC- Democratic Primary - closed
| Polls open: | 7:00 am ET |
| Polls close: | 8:00 pm ET |
And don't forget the Democrats Abroad caucuses, which technically end on Tuesday. There are seven pledged delegates up for grabs in that contest.
On the campaign trail. . .
JOHN MCCAIN
-- 7:00 pm ET: Attends event with voters, Alexandria, VA
As for the Democrats. . .
BARACK OBAMA
-- Attends to Senate duties, Washington, DC
-- 7:15 pm ET: Attends rally with voters, Madison, WI
HILLARY CLINTON
-- Attends events in El Paso, TX
At the White House. . .
PRESIDENT BUSH
-- 9:45 am ET: Meets with the President of Mali, Washington, DC
-- 12:05 pm ET: Attends a Republican National Committee luncheon, Washington, DC
-- 3:00 pm ET: Speaks at an event in honor of African American History Month, Washington, DC
POLITICAL NEWS STORIES AT ABCNEWS.COM
ABC News' Jake Tapper Reports: Despite Difficulties, Clinton Feel 'Very Good' LINK
ABC News' Eloise Harper Reports: Clinton Says Campaign Needed More Help LINK
ABC News' Matthew Dowd Reports: Opinion: Obama Will Win Nomination LINK
ABC News' Karen Travers Reports: College Junior Breakfast with Chelsea Clinton LINK
ABC News' Sunlen Miller Reports: Plug Pulled On Obama - Edwards Meeting LINK
ABC News' Jake Tapper Reports: Is This What a Winning Campaign Looks Like? LINK
ABC News' Gary Langer Reports: In Democratic Race, Whither White Men LINK
ABC News' Laura Marquez Reports: Congressman, Holocaust Survivor Remembered LINK
ABC News' Jake Tapper Reports: Something Odd Brewing in the Land of Starbucks? LINK
ABC News' Jake Tapper Reports: Obama: Clinton Divides America LINK
ABC News' Matt Jaffe Reports: Obama in Wax Takes the Oval LINK
ABC News' Jake Tapper Reports: Yes We Can? LINK
ABC News' Kevin Chupka Reports: Huckabee Picks Up Endorsement from Former Romney Supporter Paul Weyrich LINK
ABC News' Sunlen Miller Reports: Obama's Election Day Basketball Ritual LINK
ABC News' Jennifer Parker Reports: Castro Accuses McCain of Lying LINK
POLITICAL VIDEO AT ABCNEWS.COM
Can Clinton Overcome Obama's Momentum?Clinton loses the states won lead from Obama and switches up campaign staff. LINK
Nightline: Clinton Camp Shakes up Campaign02.11.07: Aboard a Clinton Campaign bus, plus a look at teens and RX drugs. LINK
Obama Surging Forward
Obama is counting on the "bandwagon effect" following his back-to-back wins. LINK
Clinton's Campaign Retools
Clinton loses 5 caucuses, ousts long-time campaign manager but insists she "feels good." LINK
Charges for Six Gitmo Detainees
ABC's Jan Crawford Greenberg breaks down the government's legal challenges ahead. LINK
'The Note' Rewinds the Week's Best Moments
ABC News' Senior Political Reporter Rick Klein on the weekly political roundup. LINK
Walters to Clinton: 'Drop It Already'
"View" co-host thinks that MSNBC's David Shuster has atoned for "pimp" comment. LINK
Obama in Wax Takes the Oval
A wax figure of Sen. Obama in the Oval Office is unveiled at Madame Tussauds. LINK
Hasselbeck: McCain Isn't a Bushie
"View" co-host defends the senator's 2008 chances amid conservative criticism. LINK
Clinton: Camp Manager Not a Scapegoat
Sen. Clinton says Solis Doyle is a "trusted adviser," but they need more help. LINK
Are Candidates' Children Fair Game?The question is raised after a controversial comment about Chelsea Clinton. LINK
Possible Pause in Troop DrawdownDefense Secretary Robert Gates endorses delaying troop withdrawal from Iraq. LINK