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McCain Wins Tight Race in SC

He edges Huckabee in nation's first Southern primary

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 19, 2008 9:13 PM CST

(Newser) – John McCain reclaimed the ever-elusive momentum in the GOP race tonight with a narrow victory over Mike Huckabee in South Carolina, the State reports. McCain got 33% of the vote to Huckabee's 30%. Fred Thompson, for whom South Carolina was a make-or-break state, finished a distant third (16%), just ahead of Mitt Romney (15%). The former Massachusetts governor won the Nevada caucuses earlier in the day.

"We are well on our way tonight," said McCain, who battled with Huckabee for the state's large conservative base. "I feel very good about our chances." Huckabee praised McCain for the clean campaign and said his strong showing proved the race is "far from over." Next up for the GOP is Florida on Jan. 29. Waiting there will be Rudy Giuliani, who has shunned the early primaries and staked his campaign on a Florida win.

Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., greets workers as he tours Force Protection, Inc., which produces armored vehicles, in Charleston, S.C., Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008. Force Protection... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., smiles while stopping at a polling station on the day of South Carolina's Republican presidential primary in Charleston, S.C., Saturday, Jan.... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn. fields questions from the media during a campaign stop at Lizard's Thicket Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, in Columbia, S.C.(AP Photo/Mary... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, smiles while talking with reporters aboard his campaign charter about his economic stimulus plan en route to Florida from Nevada,... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee second from left, goes for a run in the rain with South Carolina Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer left, his press secretary Alice Stewart, and writer... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee with wife Janet Huckabee, visit with supporters at a polling place in Columbia, S.C., Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (Associated Press)

Cindy McCain, right, wife of Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., uses a cheetah hand puppet to make her husband laugh as they ride the "Straight Talk Express" campaign bus to a... (Associated Press)

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McCain Wins Tight Race in SC

He edges Huckabee in nation's first Southern primary

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Romney Leads McCain in Michigan: Poll

Favored by voters who cite economy & jobs as top concerns

Romney Wins Silver State Caucuses

Ron Paul takes second place in surprise finish

Romney Rolls Into SC

He says McCain is front-runner is Saturday's primary here

Romney Wins Michigan Primary

State's native son gets much-needed victory to salvage campaign

Republicans Square Off in SC

GOP hopefuls swap heated words on economy, Iran, immigration

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McCain Wins Tight Race in SC

He edges Huckabee in nation's first Southern primary

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Mitt Romney • John McCain • Rudy Giuliani • Republican • Fred Thompson • South Carolina • primary • Mike Huckabee • Ron Paul

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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More Newser Stories

Romney Leads McCain in Michigan: Poll

Favored by voters who cite economy & jobs as top concerns

Romney Wins Silver State Caucuses

Ron Paul takes second place in surprise finish

Romney Rolls Into SC

He says McCain is front-runner is Saturday's primary here

Romney Wins Michigan Primary

State's native son gets much-needed victory to salvage campaign

Republicans Square Off in SC

GOP hopefuls swap heated words on economy, Iran, immigration

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?