Edwards charts new 'path' to Dem nomination (*state-by-state details*)

The Edwards campaign laid out the former North Carolina senator's "path to the nomination" in a memo released to reporters today . . .

As the campaign writes in its memo: "The bottom line: John Edwards is the underdog against two celebrity candidates who have each raised over $100 million, yet he enjoys broad support – and is in position to win delegates -- across the country."

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/blog/2008/01/edwards_charts_a_new_path_to_d.html


from the Edwards memo:

To: Interested Parties

From: Edwards for President Campaign

Date: January 28, 2008

Re: Path to the nomination

As we move into a campaign focused on the 22 February 5th states, our target demographics are:

ü Voters fed-up with the broken system in Washington

ü Voters who believe the middle class has been neglected by politicians in Washington

ü Voters who have had enough of the personal and destructive attacks between our two rivals

SOUTH CAROLINA FOOTNOTE

Numerous polls in the Palmetto state recently had Edwards roughly 30 points behind Clinton. But because of a strong debate performance and nonstop, personal and often bitter attacks between our rivals, Edwards proved this is a three way race. He dramatically narrowed the gap – and exceeded expectations. With two debates scheduled between now and February 5th, we expect John Edwards to continue to climb as he proudly represents the grown-up wing of the Democratic Party.

ONLINE FUNDRAISING BOOM

We enter the February 5th phase of the campaign on solid financial footing. The campaign has enjoyed an online fundraising boom – over $3.2 million raised online since the first of the year – most of which will be doubled by federal matching funds. This represents an 81% increase over December in total number of contributions: 44,007 contributions were made during this period, compared with 24,240 from December 1 to December 31. These 44,007 contributions came from 35,351 donors compared to 20,243 in December. This is a 74% increase in contributing donors from December to January. We have seen an increase of 104% over the number of first-time givers in December (10,049). The pool of our support is widening – we’ve seen a 155% increase in new additions to our list compared to growth in December.

Most importantly, we are seeing longtime online supporters make first-time contributions. We've also seen lower average contributions, by as much as $25 less than a typical daily average – but offset by higher volume. Our supporters are seeing this race everywhere now – and they're looking for ways to contribute.

THE NEXT PHASE

The Democratic nomination for President will not be decided until any one candidate has amassed 51 percent of the delegates – which is no easy task for any candidate when there are three strong, viable candidates in the race. Since delegates are awarded proportionately, John Edwards has already accumulated delegates and is in a strong position to accumulate many more delegates on February 5th.

Following the first four contests, the fight for delegates remains close between the three leading candidates – but the vast majority have not been awarded:

Delegates won in IA, NH, NV & SC:

Obama: 63

Clinton: 48

Edwards: 26

----------------------------------------------------------------

Magic Number to Capture the Nomination: 2025

Total Number of Delegates: 4049

As the table above shows, this race is far from decided -- and will be a long process for each of the three leading candidates. While some political reporters might wince at the prospect of having to cover three candidates for an extended period of time, this is very good news for voters. Over the coming weeks and months, voters across the country will have their say. While no one can accurately predict the outcome, one thing is certain: the American people will decide the nomination, not the media.

Bill Clinton didn't win a primary or caucus until Georgia. He didn't clinch the nomination until he defeated Jerry Brown in New York in April. This race will go to the candidate that can compete widely and over the long haul. We will be broadly competitive, accumulating groups of delegates across the February 5th states. Ultimately, we expect the race to narrow to one of the two celebrity candidates and us -- and when that happens, we are confident that the remaining contests will break in our direction as voters are finally offered the choice the national media has ignored all year -- the most progressive, most electable candidate in the race, John Edwards.

Because this fight to the nomination is boiling down to the earning of delegates, the campaign has assembled a team of staff and advisors to manage delegate tracking through the convention.

much more: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/blog/2008/01/edwards_charts_a_new_path_to_d.html

this is a strategy to win, not a run for delegates as is being speculated.

K&R

The race is far from over. I'm with JE for the long haul. :hi:

the speculation is still swirling that he'll drop out . . . doesn't look like it.

John has a good chance of coming through in the end! K&R!

:kick: