FAIRFAX, Va. -- Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry continued to dominate the campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination yesterday, scoring robust victories in Virginia and Tennessee.
Kerry, who has won all but two primaries to date, led Sen. John Edwards 52 percent to 27 percent in Virginia and also came in ahead of Edwards 41 percent to 27 percent in Tennessee.
The results demonstrated Kerry's increasing national appeal among Democrats and dealt a sharp blow to the candidacy of Edwards and a fatal one to that of Gen. Wesley Clark, who dropped out of the race late last night. Both candidates had planned to use a strong showing in the South to challenge Kerry as the race continued.
Kerry gave a victory speech before a large crowd of supporters at George Mason University shortly after results indicated he would win both states.
"I express my special thanks to the veterans, the same band of brothers I depended on 30 years ago," Kerry told the audience.
Kerry spent much of his speech criticizing President Bush's policies, including his policy on national security.
"Our opponents say they want to campaign on national security," he said. "Well, I know something about aircraft carriers for real. And if George Bush and Karl Rove and company want to make national security the central issue in the campaign, we have three words for him we know he understands: Bring it on."
Kerry diverted from his prepared remarks after the crowd booed upon hearing Kerry refer to Attorney General John Ashcroft.
"We are not going to boo in the course of this campaign," Kerry said, raising a hand to the crowd. "We are going to cheer for what is good for America."
As Kerry spoke, he was accompanied by his wife Theresa and Gov. Mark R. Warner, who announced his endorsement for Kerry Sunday.
Politics Prof. Larry J. Sabato said Kerry has all but secured the Democratic party nomination.
"Kerry has been so successful in so many states and in every region that there is no longer a credible challenge, unless there is a hidden scandal that breaks in the press before Super Tuesday on March 2," Sabato said.
Clark came in third in both primaries last night, drawing 23 percent in Tennessee and 9 percent in Virginia. Gov. Howard Dean came in fourth in both states with single digit results, while Rev. Al Sharpton and Rep. Dennis Kucinich trailed badly in both states.
In Virginia, Laura Bland, communications director of the state Democratic party, said the party was "ecstatic" with voter turnout, which she said was higher than any other year that Virginia has held a Democratic primary.
Bland attributed part of the increase in turnout to the Virginia primary's move to an earlier spot on the calendar.
"I think there's no question that being earlier has made a significant difference for all of us," Bland said.
The earlier primary also increased Virginia's impact on the nominating process.
"It's ironic that two conservative, southern, Republican states -- Tennessee and Virginia -- would finally determine the Democratic nominee for president," Sabato said.
Sabato attributed the results to Kerry's momentum, which has skyrocketed since Iowa's caucuses on Jan. 27.
"There's only one factor -- momentum," Sabato said. "Winning begets winning, and this election cycle will go down in history for proving that, beyond a shadow of a doubt."
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