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Barack Obama defeated Hillary Rodham
Clinton in Maine presidential caucuses Sunday, grabbing a majority
of delegates as the state's Democrats overlooked the snowy weather
and turned out in heavy numbers for municipal gatherings.

      Democrats in 420 Maine towns and cities were deciding how the
state's 24 delegates will be allotted at the party's national
convention in August. Despite the weather, turnout was
"incredible," party executive director Arden Manning said.

      With 91 percent of the participating precincts reporting, Obama
led in state delegates elected over Clinton, 1,878 to 1,305, with
17 uncommitted.

      Obama exulted in his recent victories in Maine and elsewhere,
telling a crowd of 18,000 Sunday evening in Virginia Beach, Va.,
that "we have won on the Atlantic Coast, we have won on the Gulf
Coast, we have won on the Pacific Coast" and places in between.

      Obama won at least 13 of Maine's delegates to the national
convention, with three still left to award. Clinton won at least
eight. In the overall race for the nomination, Clinton leads with
1,135, including separately chosen party and elected officials
known as superdelegates. Obama has 1,106.

      The voting came a day after Obama and Clinton made personal
appeals here, and after Obama picked up wins in Louisiana, Nebraska
and Washington.

      Organizers had expected heavy participation at the caucuses, but
snow was falling and gusting winds hit as many of the gatherings
were scheduled.

      The weather didn't appear to have hurt turnout. Caucuses started
late in Bangor and several other locations across the state because
so many people showed up that they were lined up outside the doors.

      In Maine's largest city, Democrats carrying "Obama" and
"Hillary" signs waited to get into the citywide caucus at
Portland High School in separate lines that snaked nearly three
city blocks in opposite directions.

      Colin Johnson, an Obama supporter in Portland, said the Illinois
senator is not a typical politician. "I'm convinced he's a
once-in-a-generation leader," he said.

      "He's young and energetic and Washington and the White House
could benefit from some fresh air," said Joe Lewis, another Obama
supporter.

      But Tony Donovan said Obama can use some more seasoning. Donovan
was supporting Clinton because she, like him, was a baby boomer who
shared similar values and because she has the experience and the
team to lead in Washington.

      "Obama's a great guy. He'll be great in eight years," Donovan
said. "He doesn't have the experience in the Senate. He doesn't
have the experience in Washington. He's not ready."

      A line waited to get into Augusta's caucus as Gov. John
Baldacci, a Clinton supporter, addressed the crowd of a couple
hundred at the city's Cony High School. Asked why he decided to
wait in line to participate, John Brandt said, "Getting rid of
Republicans, once and for all."

      Though Maine's national delegate count is small, Clinton and
Obama, along with surrogates, came to the state Saturday as their
campaigns drew tighter after Super Tuesday.

      Thousands of people packed the Bangor Auditorium to hear Obama
on Saturday and hundreds more who weren't allowed inside greeted
him as he arrived. People also were stopped at the door as Clinton
held a town hall-style gathering nearby at the University of Maine
at Orono. She later stopped in Lewiston.

      Clinton's daughter, Chelsea, and husband, Bill, also visited,
while Obama supporter Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts
campaigned in two cities in the days before the vote.

      Both campaigns hit Maine heavily with radio and TV advertising,
and voters' homes were being called with pre-taped messages in
support of both candidates. On Sunday, Massachusetts Gov. Deval
Patrick, Rep. Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island and Sen. John Kerry
of Massachusetts, the 2004 Democratic presidential candidate,
visited Maine caucuses on Obama's behalf.

      On Clinton's side, Baldacci, Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern and
New York Rep. Gregory Meeks campaigned.

      The high level of excitement across the state contrasted with
earlier expectations that the post-Super Tuesday timing of the
caucuses would dampen voter interest.

      A competitive GOP race a week earlier also helped to enliven
interest in the Maine Republicans' nonbinding caucuses, which were
won by Mitt Romney. He dropped out of the race last week, making it
likely that Arizona Sen. John McCain would become the GOP nominee.

Gallery

Politics and Government News

Barack Obama defeated Hillary Rodham
Clinton in Maine presidential caucuses Sunday, grabbing a majority
of delegates as the state's Democrats overlooked the snowy weather
and turned out in heavy numbers for municipal gatherings.


Obama wins Maine Democratic caucuses

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