McCaskill upends Holden

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Embattled Democratic Gov. Bob Holden conceded defeat Tuesday to State Auditor Claire McCaskill, becoming the first Missouri governor ever to lose in a primary.

Holden called McCaskill to congratulate her, then broke the news to his supporters by urging Democrats to unite behind her.

"I want all of you to know we are all Democrats and we will work to elect this Democratic ticket in November 2004," Holden said.

"Tonight is the beginning of the Missouri comeback," McCaskill declared during a victory party in Kansas City. "Tonight is the night that, as Democrats, we can focus on hope and have confidence that we can win in November."

Awaiting the winner of the Democratic race was Republican Secretary of State Matt Blunt, who easily defeated several lesser-known GOP candidates for governor, according to unofficial results.

McCaskill was ahead, 51.7 percent to 45.2 percent, with 3,499 statewide precincts reporting out of 3,992 precincts in unofficial results. McCaskill led throughout most of Missouri, and carried 65 of the 77 counties reporting complete results. But Holden led in the vote-rich, Democratic stronghold of St. Louis, which lagged well behind in reporting results.

"It looks good," McCaskill said to the cheers of supporters at a Kansas City watch party. "We've had an incredible turnout, especially in outstate Missouri, where it really looks good."

No Missouri governor has ever lost in primary -- and few have been seriously challenged -- since voters amended the constitution in 1965 to allow governors to seek a second term. Nationwide, it's been 10 years since an incumbent governor lost a primary election.

Blunt, meanwhile, said his overwhelming victory illustrated his momentum against whoever emerges from the Democratic primary.

"I think it's symbolic of the unity we have as a party," Blunt said, "and the fact that we're all watching a very competitive race on the other side is very symbolic of the differences they have."

McCaskill made electability a key issue in the primary, insisting she not only stood a better chance of beating Blunt in the Nov. 2 general election, but could help carry Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry to victory in this important swing state.

Holden countered by invoking the name of Missouri's most famous Democrat, Harry Truman, who scored a stunning re-election victory in 1948 while Democrats also took back Congress from Republicans.