Election Update: History Will Be Made

February 1, 2008

By Lisa Bennett, Communications Director

Much has happened since our last look at the primary race this election season. Here's a quick wrap-up:

Jan. 19 - In the Nevada caucuses, Sen. Hillary Clinton wins among the Democrats, while Republicans favor former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. Leaders and activists from NOW volunteer their time to help rally caucus-goers for Hillary in the state.

On the same day, the GOP holds its primary in South Carolina, where Sen. John McCain squeaks out a close win over ultra-conservative Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.

Jan. 26 - The Democrats hold their South Carolina primary, and Sen. Barack Obama comes out with a strong win. NOW leaders from around the country volunteer their time to travel to South Carolina, where they join local activists in getting out the vote.

Jan. 29 - Sen. John McCain takes Florida for the Republicans. Despite the fact that the Democratic National Committee stripped the state of its voting delegates as a penalty for moving its primary to an earlier date, Florida Democrats turn out in force, giving Sen. Hillary Clinton a big margin. Turn-out in the state is the highest ever-double the primary turnout in 2004.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani drops out of the Republican race and throws his support to McCain. Former Senator John Edwards, who campaigned passionately on a platform built around economic justice for all, suspends his campaign after three third place finishes. It looks official now . . . the Democratic nominee will be a first-either the first woman or the first African-American will have the privilege of running against the Republican nominee for president of the United States.

Jan 30-31 - NOW PAC Chair Kim Gandy stumps for Hillary Clinton in Connecticut, a key state in the Super Tuesday extravaganza.

Feb. 1 - Maine caucus for the Republicans.

Super Tuesday! On Feb. 5, more than 20 states hold their primaries. Pundits speculate that the Republican nominee will be decided by the time the results are in from these states. The Democratic nomination may still be up for grabs-giving voters in even more states a chance to make a difference in a very exciting and history-making primary season.

Is your primary coming up? Check the New York Times for upcoming states and dates and results for the early primaries.

Keep checking the NOW PAC website for the latest news and perspectives on the 2008 elections.

Read our Jan. 17 update.