2008 New Jersey Democratic presidential primary

2008 New Jersey Democratic presidential primary

February 5, 2008 (2008-02-05)

Candidate Hillary Clinton Barack Obama Home state New York Illinois Delegate count 59 48 Popular vote 613,500 501,372 Percentage 53.76% 43.93%

Primary results by county Clinton:      50–60%      60–70% Obama:      40–50%      50–60%

The 2008 New Jersey Democratic presidential primary took place February 5, 2008, also known as Super Tuesday. With 107 pledged delegates at stake, New Jersey was a significant battleground in the Democratic nomination race between Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

Hillary Clinton won the primary amid record-breaking turnout. Her margin of victory was narrower than early polling had projected but contradicted Barack Obama’s late surge in polling and strong performance in urban areas.

Campaign

Hillary Clinton was considered the frontrunner to win New Jersey's primary given her strong name recognition and institutional support in the state. She had significant endorsements from key state figures, including Governor Jon Corzine, Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts and several county Democratic chairpersons. The vast majority of Democratic state legislators also endorsed Clinton.

Barack Obama secured endorsements from prominent local leaders, such as Newark Mayor Cory Booker and Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy. These endorsements were viewed as bolstering Obama's appeal among urban and younger voters.

Sample ballot for the presidential primary.

Polls

Main article: Statewide opinion polling for the 2008 Super Tuesday Democratic Party presidential primaries § New Jersey

Results

See also: Results of the 2008 Democratic Party presidential primaries

Key:	Withdrew prior to contest

2008 New Jersey Democratic presidential primary
Candidate	Votes	Percentage	National delegates
Hillary Clinton	613,500	53.76%	59
Barack Obama	501,372	43.93%	48
John Edwards	15,728	1.38%	0
Joe Biden	4,081	0.36%	0
Bill Richardson	3,366	0.29%	0
Dennis Kucinich	3,152	0.28%	0
Totals	1,141,199	100.00%	107

Analysis

2008 New Jersey Democratic presidential primary
Demographic subgroup	Obama	Clinton	% of total vote
Total vote	44	54	100
Sex by race
White men	39	58	25
White women	27	72	34
Black men	85	15	10
Black women	81	14	14
Latino men	36	62	5
Latino women	26	74	7
All other races	38	58	5
Age
17–29 years old	59	39	13
30–44 years old	50	47	29
45–59 years old	38	60	35
60 and older	35	63	23
Religion
Protestant/Other Christian	56	40	35
Catholic	28	69	38
Jewish	37	63	9
Something else	61	35	8
None	51	49	11
Family income
Less than $50,000	40	58	29
$50,000 or more	45	52	71
Which issue is the most important facing the country?
The economy	44	54	47
The war in Iraq	45	51	31
Health care	42	56	18
Candidate quality that matters most
Can bring about needed change	64	35	52
Cares about people like me	43	46	13
Has the right experience	3	94	26
Has the best chance to win in November	40	60	8

See also

• 2008 Democratic Party presidential primaries
• 2008 New Jersey Republican presidential primary

External links

• Official state totals (not yet fully updated)