WASHINGTON TODAY: Above all else, Democrats seek candidate who can beat Bu [View All]

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10-16) 23:09 PDT WASHINGTON (AP) --

Democrats want a winner, above all else.

Policies, endorsements, leadership posts, Washington experience -- even a candidate's history with the party itself -- mean less than usual in this year's primary fight.

Democratic voters say a single quality outranks them all: the ability to beat President Bush.

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The animus has given rise to the candidacies of Howard Dean and Wesley Clark.

Dean is leading in key state polls and fund raising on the strength of his anti-war, anti-establishment message, and the belief that he is standing up to Bush while his Washington-based rivals waver.

"He's the most electable. He's made the party bigger," said Jon Myers, 30, a Santa Fe, N.M., businessman. "Some of his issue I don't agree with, but who cares? I think he can beat Bush."

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