Arizona Sen. John McCain defeated Texas Gov. George W. Bush by a slim margin in yesterday's Michigan open Republican primary, prompting the Bush camp to make claims of a Democratic hostile takeover. McCain also swept his home state of Arizona with 60 percent of the vote.
In a record turnout, Michigan voters gave McCain 50 percent of the vote while Bush received 44 percent. Exit polls show that Bush was the decisive winner among Republican voters, but the majority of voters in this election were either Democrats or Independents.
Republican candidate Alan Keyes also ran in the primaries, gaining four percent in both Michigan and Arizona.
"McCain's margin of victory ultimately came from Democrats and Independents. He once again failed to get the majority of the Republican vote," said Larry J. Sabato, professor of government and foreign affairs.
The large Democratic turnout may have been the response of voters' dislike for Michigan Gov. John Engler, who used his campaign machine to solicit votes for Bush, Sabato said.
As Bush spoke to a crowd in Kansas City, he said he is optimistic in light of his defeat as he made reference to his win among Republican voters. "What's not close to call is what the Republicans in the state of Michigan have to say," Bush said. "Among those two groups [Republicans and some Independents] there's no question who the winner is tonight and you are looking at him."
The Bush camp had expected tough competition. "It's a close competitive race," said Scott Mclellan, spokesman for the Bush campaign.
But the boost from the South Carolina win was supposed to help him keep his momentum throughout the coming primaries, Sabato said.
McCain needed a victory in Michigan to recapture the support he gained following the New Hampshire primary. With the help of Democrats in future open primaries, McCain may now be able to keep his momentum going.
"There are enough open primaries to keep McCain alive for some time," Sabato said.
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