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Kerry vs. Non-KerryThe putative favorite can't muster more than an exit-poll plurality in Wisconsin.

By Jack ShaferPosted Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2004, at 4:19 PM ET

In the contest of Kerry vs. Non-Kerry, John Kerry is losing badly in Wisconsin. The first wave of exit-poll numbers give Kerry the confetti and the lead, but it's a mere plurality against his opponents John Edwards and Howard "Road Kill" Dean. Not as bad as kissing your sister, but nothing to brag about either.

Kerry 41

Edwards 33

Dean 17

Would Dean voters have gone for Kerry or Edwards if their man had dropped out? Can the campaign cycle last long enough to punish Kerry for his tenuous connection to voters? From this corner, it looks like Joe-mentum is slowing the Kerry sleigh ride.

******

Your exit poll ruminations solicited here: . (E-mail may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)

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Jack Shafer is Slate's editor at large. Follow him on Twitter.
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