Dean edges Lieberman, Clark in Florida, South

Poll shows half of Southern voters have yet to pick a primary favorite

By Paige St. John and Alisa LaPolt
FLORIDA TODAY

TALLAHASSEE -- Howard Dean leads the South with a short list of Democratic presidential contenders close on his heels: Joe Lieberman in Florida and Wesley Clark actually claiming Georgia, according to a poll of Southern voters.

Dean, the former Vermont governor, was favored by 18 percent of Democratic voters in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee. His share fell to 15 percent if results were added from independent voters in the states where they may cast a ballot in the Democratic primary.

In the six states combined, Clark came in second with support from 10 percent of Democratic voters.

In Florida, Dean's 14 percent share was challenged by Clark and Lieberman, tied with 9 percent.

more.........

http://www.floridatoday.com/!NEWSROOM/localstoryN0116FLPOLL.htm

Go Dean!

I live in the Savannah Georgia area and Clark has commercials on everyday on the TV. I haven't seen a Dean one yet. I hope the good Dr. buys at least a little air time soon, even though Georgia is probably a lost cause for any Dem candidate. I know I hate that too.

Half the voters have not paid attention yet, so we actually have an embryo sonogram of a race. I'm surprised that Dean's numbers are so small, actually, considering that he's been running for a while. It's also notable that his numbers fall when you factor in the independent vote. It bodes well for Wesley Clark, I think.

Al Sharpton is a force in these states. Who will eventually get his delegates? And a pollster says that Joe Lieberman would be a true contender if Florida was one of the early primary states.

Interesting stuff.