Two Parties, Two Distinct Paths to the Nomination
The differing situations for the Republicans and Democrats have clear implications for both parties as they begin to move from the nomination battle toward the general election.
On the Democratic side, Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama seem likely to continue their state-by-state struggle, after a night of tit-for-tat division of states and delegates, though Mrs. Clinton claimed the formidable prize of California.
But after months of disarray, Republicans seemed closer to coalescing around Senator John McCain of Arizona. As Mr. McCain logged victories in populous states, including California, and added more delegates to his count, he moved nearer his goal of wrapping up his competition with Mitt Romney of Massachusetts. A third Republican candidate, Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, underlined Mr. Romney’s weakness by posting a series of victories, in a performance that highlighted the discomfort social conservatives have with the field.
Mr. Huckabee’s relatively strong showing was both a blessing and a curse for Mr. McCain, though perhaps more of a blessing. It injected a small note of uncertainty into the Republican race, and potentially delayed the day when Mr. McCain would have the stage to himself. But Mr. Huckabee appeared to drain votes primarily away from Mr. Romney, contributing to his overall weak showing on this night.
This split in the road for Democrats and Republicans should — if and when Mr. McCain can claim his party’s nomination — be a welcome development for Mr. McCain, who would have time to begin quelling doubts about him among conservatives.
Lee ADDS: The Democrats offer nothing and the Republicans offer somewhat of a Liberal!
