Analysis from Alabama

Tue, February 05, 2008 - 11:29 PM

In Alabama, we heard from David Lanoue, chair of the political science department at the University of Alabama.

Barack Obama won by a greater margin than he thought, in large part due to the turnout of black voters.

“I think ever since Barack Obama won the Iowa caucuses and really emerged as a credible candidate, African American voters have moved in his direction,” Lanoue said.

Over on the GOP side, Lanoue said it’s not surprising Alabama went for Mike Huckabee. But his strong showing in southern Super Tuesday southern states might be troubling for John McCain.

"It’s clear John McCain has not closed the deal with religious conservatives,” Lanoue said.

The Republicans, he said, may be faced with the fact that their eventual nominee is not trusted by a significant portion of the party’s base.

And Lanoue said that could pave the way for conservative, Southern running mate such as Alabama Gov. Bob Riley.

With 95 percent of precincts in Alabama reporting, Obama is leading over Hillary Clinton with 56 percent to her 42 percent.

Huckabee has 41 percent of the vote, while McCain has 37 percent and Mitt Romney has 18 percent.

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-- Amy Dominello