High noon for Democratic big guns

By RUPERT CORNWELL in Los Angeles

Over the next fortnight, John Kerry and John Edwards will wage war for the Democratic presidential nomination.

The climax will be so-called "Super Tuesday" on March 2 when 10 states hold primaries and caucuses - New York, California, Ohio, Maryland, Georgia, Minnesota, and four New England states, including Kerry's base of Massachusetts.

The showdown became inevitable after this week's Wisconsin primary, which Kerry won with 40 per cent followed by Edwards with 34 per cent. The final outcome was far closer than predicted by the final polls which put the Massachusetts senator 20 points ahead.

According to exit polls, the late swing reflected a surge of backing for Edwards among independents and Republicans allowed to vote in the open primary - a trend seized upon by the Edwards camp.

"These are the very people we as the Democratic party need to win a general election," said David Axelrod, a top adviser to the North Carolina senator.

Even so, Edwards remains a long shot. With 15 wins in the first 17 contests, his rival has dominated a contested primary season as no other Democrat in recent times. Despite his "Massachusetts liberal" label, Kerry draws support from all sections of the party.

However narrow, victory in Wisconsin has widened his lead in the hunt for the 2162 delegates needed for the nomination in July.

Kerry now has 608 delegates, against 190 pledged to Edwards. Although the fate of the 201 delegates collected by Howard Dean was unclear after his withdrawal from the contest, Edwards will have to dominate Super Tuesday to catch up.

- INDEPENDENT