February Contests Shape Up as Pivotal- LA Times

Dean's apparent edge in those races could give him an insurmountable lead over rivals.

By Ronald Brownstein, Times Staff Writer

GREEN BAY, Wis. — While Howard Dean's rivals are focusing almost entirely on the first several states that vote in the Democratic presidential race, the former Vermont governor appears to be building enough strength in the next wave of contests that he could virtually clinch the nomination by mid-February, even if he stumbles early.

With Dean's opponents forced to concentrate their efforts on Iowa and New Hampshire — or, at most, the seven predominantly Southern and Western states that vote on Feb. 3 — the front-runner's emerging advantage in states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, Virginia, Maine and Washington that follow with primaries or caucuses later in February could provide him a formidable firewall against any early reversals.

Even if Dean's opponents nick him in more moderate states, such as South Carolina and Oklahoma, that hold primaries Feb. 3, most analysts agree they must prevent him from dominating the mid-February contests. Otherwise, Dean could establish an insurmountable advantage heading into the 10-state showdown March 2, which includes primaries in delegate-rich California and New York. more............

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