Super Tuesday: 18 For 21

Complete Results

My predictions going into Super Tuesday where somewhat of a "worst case for McCain" but he had a very good night. He has virtually wrapped up the nomination after winning nine of twenty-one races in a three man heat. More importantly, he holds a commanding lead (360*) in delegates.

Conversely, Romney had a devastating night despite winning seven races. While McCain faired better than expected in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma and bellwether Missouri (he won the last two), Romney's claim of being the "true conservative" was undercut by finishing third in each of these contests. It's impossible to position yourself as the epitome of conservatism when finishing last in claret states.

Huckabee had a fine night considering the frugal campaign he's been forced to run. He did confirm the fact that he is a sectional candidate, appealing most to Southerners, bible-thumpers, and states with flagging economies. He's positioned himself for a position within McCain's administration (Secretary of the Interior, maybe?) but, as far as continuing to mount a challenge, he's in worse shape than Romney because he doesn't have Mitt's wallet.

Bottomline: my picks were off in Minnesota, Missouri, and Oklahoma, but my conclusion was spot on; McCain will be the GOP nominee. The Dem race will drag on.

*UPDATE: As delegates have been apportioned, McCain's lead has grown. When it's all said and done, the lead will be virtually insurmountable.