Democratic Illinois Senator Barack Obama and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, a Republican, have been declared the winners of their presidential caucuses in Iowa, the first test in the race for the White House.
Obama, who had been in a tough three-way battle against Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and former senator John Edwards, won convincingly. Vying to become the first black president, Obama had 37 per cent support among Democrats. Edwards appeared headed for second place with Clinton finishing a close third.
Huckabee, who came from behind in recent weeks with support from evangelical Christians, had been in a tight race with former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. He was winning with 34 per cent support, compared with 25 per cent for Romney. Former senator Fred Thompson and Senator John McCain battled for third place.
The caucus vote is considered the official kickoff to the November 2008 presidential election. Voters from both parties choose delegates to attend party conventions later this year.
The winners in Iowa will likely give the candidate a boost in New Hampshire, where independents can vote in either primary. But it should be clear by Super Tuesday on Feb. 5, when more than 20 states weigh in, who the nominees will be.
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Obama, who had been in a tough three-way battle against Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and former senator John Edwards, won convincingly. Vying to become the first black president, Obama had 37 per cent support among Democrats. Edwards appeared headed for second place with Clinton finishing a close third.
Huckabee, who came from behind in recent weeks with support from evangelical Christians, had been in a tight race with former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. He was winning with 34 per cent support, compared with 25 per cent for Romney. Former senator Fred Thompson and Senator John McCain battled for third place.
The caucus vote is considered the official kickoff to the November 2008 presidential election. Voters from both parties choose delegates to attend party conventions later this year.
The winners in Iowa will likely give the candidate a boost in New Hampshire, where independents can vote in either primary. But it should be clear by Super Tuesday on Feb. 5, when more than 20 states weigh in, who the nominees will be.
FULL STORY
Share your thoughts on the race for the White House
More...
