John Edwards got a big boost for his campaign by winning - in very convincing fashion - the Texas Democratic Party's ePrimary, which ran from August 31st to September 7th with over 8,000 Texas voters. Good stuff:
The votes are in, and Texas Democrats have made their voices heard in the first-ever TDP ePrimary Poll. Congratulations to Senator John Edwards, who came in first with 37.65% of the vote. Senator Edwards impressed Texas Democrats with his authenticity, dedication to progressive principles, and commitment to working for all Americans.
Go below the fold for more
For more details check out the Texas Democratic Party. Here are the official results; Edwards wins by an overwhelming margin:
Senator John Edwards 3050 Votes 37.65%
Senator Barack Obama 1731 Votes 21.37%
Senator Hillary Clinton 1655 Votes 20.43%
Representative Dennis Kucinich 962 Votes 11.88%
Governor Bill Richardson 419 Votes 5.17%
Senator Joe Biden 195 Votes 2.41%
Senator Mike Gravel 65 Votes 0.80%
Senator Chris Dodd 24 Votes 0.30%
TOTAL 8101Votes
Edwards won by an almost 2 to 1 margin!
Here's some more from Texas voters on why Edwards won so convincingly:
"Senator Edwards articulates a plan to help all Americans achieve a better standard of living. He sees clearly that we must craft a strong foreign policy and rebuild the United States' image abroad. He will move our nation forward."
B.J. in Hillsboro
"John Edwards is not a divider. His words are uplifting. His wife is a solid person and will be a strong first lady. He has the best solution for the health care crisis in the US, and I believe that he will settle the horrific mess the Republicans brought us in Iraq. He has a great record, and I trust him."
Danna in Lubbock
"John Edwards understands the importance of unions in building the middle class and growing our economy. I also believe that he has the best plan for getting our country on course for universal health care coverage, making education more affordable for those who want and need it, and getting the troops out of Iraq and repairing America's global reputation."
Andrea in San Antonio
There's an official statement from the campaign with more details. Here's a bit from the Texas Democratic Party Chair:
"Texas Democrats are proud of our Party's slate of presidential candidates, and I want to congratulate John Edwards on winning the ePrimary Poll," said Texas Democratic Party Chair Boyd Richie. "Texas voters are looking to Democrats to bring the changes needed in our State. One-party Republican rule has failed, and Democrats are reaching out to ALL Texans—independents and disillusioned Republicans—to return responsible leadership to Texas."
And Texas Democrats are ready for a change in the state of Texas and in the country:
After the success of the ePrimary Poll, one thing is absolutely clear: our Democratic candidates have a powerful message of hope and opportunity that will win back the White House in 2008. After seven long years of George Bush's arrogance and incompetence, our country is ready for a change, and our Democratic candidates have the experience and ideas to move America forward.
Elizabeth Edwards in Texas today
There's also a bit on Elizabeth Edwards visit to Austin today to talk with the party about the results. Check back later for more details; they should have some photos up. Here's a bit of her comments:
"John's victory demonstrates that Texas Democrats see him as the candidate of real change," explained Elizabeth. "They know that the system in Washington is broken and that the only way to get real change is to elect a president who will fight for change everyday, who has bold new solutions, and who will take on the entrenched interests, beat them and end the game. John Edwards is that candidate."
"Texas voters also support John because he is the only Democratic candidate who can win in red, blue and purple states," Elizabeth added. "John has run for election in a red state - and won. He grew up in a small town in a rural area and that gives him the advantage in connecting with Texas voters."
A bit about the poll:
For the poll each of the candidates were invited to submit a message to Texas Democrats. Senator's Edwards message is here:
In Texas and across the country, we face a crucial choice -- whether to do what America has always done in times like these – change direction and move boldly into the future or wander in the same stale direction we have traveled in our recent past. It is a choice between the failed compromises of the past and the bright possibilities of our future. Between resigning ourselves to Two Americas or fighting for One America we all believe in.
The choice we must make is as important as it is clear. Our nation faces great, global challenges and we need ambitious solutions to meet them. The time for half measures and baby steps has passed. We need bold solutions and real leadership to transform America.
Click the link above for more. You can see the messages of all the candidates by clicking on their names on the front page.
And from the website of the Party:
The ePrimary Poll was a weeklong online event that gave Texas Democrats an opportunity to make their voices heard in the presidential nomination process and express support for their favorite Democratic candidate. Participation in the ePrimary Poll was open to all Texas Democrats who want to provide input as the Party chooses a presidential nominee.
Please note this wasn't just a click and shoot poll. It asked a fair amount of information from voters before voting, including name and address and if you weren't from Texas you couldn't vote. And you could only vote once. Here's a bit from Burnt Orange on that front:
Over the weekend, non-Texas and spam votes were removed, causing a slight drop in a couple of candidates' support.
Given the ammount of publicity it received in Texas democratic circles during the poll, and the huge amount of attention it is getting in Texas media and blogs, and even national media, and its sponsorship by tthe Democratic Party itself, it seems to hold up fairly well. And given the rave reviews of Edwards' July visit to the Young Democrats Convention in Dallas, maybe not that surprising. Here's some YDA highlights with a bit from Edwards at the end:
As Jim Hightower said so eloquently on that day:
"Here at last, at long last, is a Democrat who is not afraid to be a Democrat," Hightower said. "He’s a guy who, get this, that working people can trust... he can win as a progressive because he has the ability to communicate with ordinary people."
Pretty cool stuff. And getting some pretty wide press coverage. You might have heard Edwards mention once or twice that he can do well in the south. And he certainly has done well in recent and past head to head matchups vs. Republicans, even against Fred Thompson.
Sure its a straw poll, but its a Texas straw poll and Edwards didn't just just win a squeaker, but won in a landslide with over 8,000 votes cast. He is also 2nd overall in Texas democratic fundraising (just about $40k behind Clinton). Throw in the requisite grains of salt, but given the huge margin of victory, I think its fair to say that Edwards has the support of a lot of the most active democrats in the state of Texas.