Feb. 5 Primaries are mostly closed - bodes well for Clinton, not for McCain

[ruggerson]

A majority of the 25 primaries to be held on Super Tuesday, Feb. 5 will not allow independents to participate in Democratic and Republican primaries.

McCain won both New Hampshire and South Carolina only because of crossover votes from independents.

In South Carolina, "according to exit polling, McCain voters followed a similar pattern to those that emerged in New Hampshire and Michigan: He won strongly among moderate Republicans, independents and military-aligned voters."

The Republican base still has grave issues with John McCain. They may fall in line yet, especially if the media pumps up McCain as the inevitable nominee, but the demographics give both Romney and Huckabee a real chance to stop McCain's momentum.

Clinton, on the other hand, benefits enormously when independents are excluded in Democrats-only primaries. She has deep and strong appeal to the base and has not had to rely on crossover votes to secure her wins in New Hampshire and Nevada.

Clinton is well positioned for Super Tuesday.

McCain may have more of a fight on his hands.

[mikelgb]

1. In CA Dems allows Indys but not Repubs

[BootinUp]

2. Do the Indy's have to register as Dems to vote?

[papau]

3. not in CA - in CA indies just walk in and request a Dem ballot

If you are unaffiliated with any party ("decline to state" or "independent"),

* You may request the ballot of the American Independent or Democratic party at the polls on February 5, 2008 or on your absentee ballot request form, or
* You will be given a nonpartisan ballot, containing only the names of all candidates for nonpartisan offices and measures to be voted upon at the primary election.

[boston bean]

4. In MA you have to registered to vote but can request a dem ballot. The

only reason they call it closed is you can't register that day to vote.