In addition to the Republican primary, there were two other contests in Washington, a non-binding Democratic primary, won by Vice President Al Gore, and a non-binding open primary in which all candidates were listed and which was open to voters who did not participate in the party primaries. With two-thirds of the precincts reporting, McCain was leading with 40 percent, with Bush at 23 percent and Gore at 21 percent.

-- Vern (bacon17@ibm.net), March 01, 2000

Answers

And where did they go to vote if they were not participating in the primaries?

-- Buster (BustrCollins@aol.com), March 01, 2000.

...in Washington, voters had 3 choices, vote in either the republican primary, the democratice primary or an open primary with all candidates participating.

-- Vern (bacon17@ibm.net), March 01, 2000.

More to the point, McCain is through, in terms of his bid for the Republican nomination. His anti-Christain Right speech could not have come at a worse time or place. He had an opportunity to stay the course, maintain the impression of taking the high road, and possibly do well. It was an exceptionally stupid political move and most knew immediately upon its delivery the backlash was coming.

Me thinks someone got to him. It's possible, though we will never know for sure, that a message was sent to the McCain camp saying, in effect, back off. You are splitting the party and setting up for a Gore victory in November. McCain simply didn't have the orgnaizational backing in the upcoming states with closed primaries. Try as one may to win the popular cross-over votes, the delegates would not be there for McCain come the convention. Basically, McCain and his cronies "saboed" their own Republican campaign, knowingly.

It's pure speculation, but what's interesting is that it appears McCain is positioning himself for a party jump, to the reformers. Think about it. He wants to be labeled the reformer. He is openly trying to attract the reform-style vote. the independent lot. And he has a sullen personality. McCain believes in payback time. Look at how he went after Robertson and Falwell for their antics in Michigan. There is an aire of vindictiveness about McCain.

Buchanan will not turn out the Reform party vote. McCain might not win if he were to jump, but he cetainly could mess up things. And, put him in position to be a power broker and serious player four years from now. Advice to Gore and Bush: Watch your back.

-- Buster (BustrCollins@aol.com), March 01, 2000.

Buster- Jesse Vetura likes McCain

-- Chemtrail Pilot (work@FEMA.TPTB), March 01, 2000.

It's irrelavent. Until you clowns stop voting for Republicans AND Democrats no significant change will take place in America. McCain is no different than Clinton, Gore, Bush, etc. They are all bought and paid for. WAKE UP AMERICA!

-- BigGuy (champeaudavid@yahoo.com), March 01, 2000.

well, big guy, if McCain is going Reform party, and everyone is bought and paid for, who would you suggest we vote for?

your shouting, name calling and ranting does absolutely no good. how about suggesting a good alternative?

oh, i see. haven't thought of one, eh? rather just yell at other people, eh? get lost!

-- (-@-.-), March 01, 2000.

Bush wallops McCain in Washington State, see this story:

http://www.seattletimes.com/news/local/html98/prim_20000301.html

-- (formerly@nowhere.zzz), March 01, 2000.

The only thing McCrank beats is in between his legs.

So he got some dems to cast "votes" that don't count for squat. Big deal. Yawn.

He's a L-O-S-E-R. He's pissed off the REPUBLICANS and they won't vote for him.

-- Charles Underwood Farley (chuck@u.farley), March 01, 2000.

Next year it will be "President Dubya".

S.O.B.

-- sweetolebob (buffgun@hotmail.com), March 01, 2000.

Thank goodness there still are people who speak the truth today, like John McCain. Religion is worthless and Senator McCain's hatred of religion and its proponents is refreshing. Lets hope that if elected, President McCain would destroy religion in this country. Thank you John McCain, for opposing the 'religious lunatics'. May you move our society toward its ultimate enlightenment, where religion is outlawed and morality is defined by the State. John McCain, the people's candidate and the only candidate with common sense.

McCain 2000!

-- Committee for the Eradication of Religion (Religion@Hater.com), March 01, 2000.

Chemtrail:

Do you have the ability to actually make a point? Or are all your posts relegated to an IQ level of that approaching a zombie?

-- haha (haha@haha.com), March 01, 2000.

Religion Hater....you, my friend, are in a sorry state.

-- TM (mercier7@pdnt.com), March 01, 2000.

"John McCain, the people's candidate and the only candidate with common sense."

This sounds like something I heard during elections in the People's Republic.

-- Buster (BustrCollins@aol.com), March 01, 2000.

McCain is truly a legend in his own mind.

-- Vote (E-NoneOfThe@Above.com), March 01, 2000.

I would guess that Religion Hater is being satirical.

-- J (Y2J@home.comm), March 01, 2000.