In already crowded Democratic field all vying for the top job in the land, an new candidate has thrown his name in the the hat to try and beat the Clinton juggernaut. On the steps of the state capitol, New Hampshire Governor Joshiah "Jed" Bartlet declared his candidacy for President of the United States. "I know we are up against long odds" He said in front of an enthusiastic crowd in Concord, "but I believe that this time in our nation's history is too vital for me not to lead the discussion and lead us into the new millennium. America has been through some dark days these past eight years, but I know that light is around the corner, and I will be there to make sure that every single American gets to put on their sunglasses and enjoy the new day."
Bartlet, a wildly popular Democratic governor in a fiercely libertarian state that the GOP carried in 2004, would seem to be somewhat of a long shot as his base would be in New England, a place where Senator Hillary Clinton has commanding leads in every New England state, including New Hampshire. His announcement is expected to change that in his home state, giving him a natural advantage in the vital New Hampshire primary in January. Coupled with the Iowa caucus a week before, the New Hampshire primary is historically where Presidential pretenders' campaigns go to die.
The question for Bartlet is how well he does in Michigan, Nevada, and South Carolina which are the states the follow the Granite State on the primary calendar. If Bartlet can have a strong finish in those states, particularly Michigan and South Carolina, than he may be a legitimate contender. However if he only places well in New Hampshire, than the "little campaign that could" will have a short ride.
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