RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Virginia is getting its share of the Democratic presidential spotlight as main challengers to John Kerry launch an all-out campaign for Tuesday's primary.
After weeks of watching from afar, Virginia puts up for grabs 82 delegates, the second-largest prize in the nomination campaign through Tuesday. The primary is open to all voters since the state does not register by party.
John Edwards, riding a win in South Carolina, and Wesley Clark, coming off a narrow victory in Oklahoma, are focusing on Virginia where they hope to slow the Kerry momentum, which has carried the Massachusetts senator to victory in seven states, The Washington Post said Thursday.
Kerry marks his first appearance in the state Saturday night in Richmond and is buying television ads across the state.
Southerners Edwards and Clark both claim Virginia and neighboring Tennessee, the only other state with a primary Tuesday, as home turf and plan several appearances scheduled. Howard Dean has no Virginia appearances slated.
