WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- The White House offered generic congratulations Tuesday to Democratic presidential contenders who did well in the Iowa caucuses.
However, spokesman Scott McClellan declined further comment on the outcome, which saw Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts throwing a wrench into the campaign of former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean.
"We congratulate the candidates who did well," he said. "This is a process that is just beginning and the Democrats are just beginning to sort out their differences."
President George W. Bush who was told of the results by an aide while he was continuing work on his State of the Union address, McClellan said.
"We're not handicapping the Democratic race," he added. "There will be plenty of time to talk about November when they have chosen ..."
Kerry got 38 percent of the vote. South Carolina Sen. John Edwards claimed 32 percent. Dean received 18 percent and Missouri Rep. Richard Gephardt won 11 percent.
