California voters began casting ballots Tuesday morning in the state's delegate-rich primary, which is considered the biggest prize so far in the U.S. presidential campaign this year.
Voting is also taking place in more than 20 other states across the United States, in what is so-called "Super Tuesday" as the nominee of both the major political parties for the White House will be decided.
As they cast ballots, California's democrats were weighing in with their preference in the party's precedent-setting presidential race, with the economy surpassing the Iraq War as the top issue.
Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards' withdrawal last week means the Democrats are virtually assured of becoming the first major party to nominate a woman -- Hillary Clinton -- or an African American -- Barack Obama -- for president.
In California, 370 delegates to the August Democratic National Convention in Denver are up for grab Tuesday, with 241 allocated proportionally based on the results in each of the state's 53 congressional districts and the other 129 based on the statewide results.
Meanwhile, Republicans in California will determine if Arizona Senator John McCain continues his winning streak in the "Super Tuesday" primary.
With wins in New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida, McCain has emerged as the front-runner in what had been a wide open field.
There is a possibility that McCain could be assured of the party's nomination late Tuesday when results of the 22 states' primaries and caucuses come out.
McCain has received a slew of high-profile endorsements since winning last Tuesday's Florida primary. When former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani announced his withdrawal from the race Wednesday and backed McCain.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger endorsed McCain Thursday, praising him for his environmental positions, national security credentials and curbing wasteful spending.
Tuesday's statewide winner will receive 11 delegates to the Republican National Convention, which will formally designate the party's nominee, while three delegates will be awarded to the top vote-getter in each of the state's 53 congressional districts.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article