Bush, Gore Win Primaries in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania

Having secured their party nominations last month, Vice President Al Gore and Texas Gov. George W. Bush easily won presidential primaries Tuesday in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Both candidates had earned more than enough delegates from primaries and caucuses in other states to lock up the presidential nominations last month. But the Democratic vice president and Republican governor weren’t the only presidential candidates on the ballots in both states.

In Pennsylvania, Bush won the Republican primary with 74% of the vote. The remaining votes were shared by his former rivals. Sen. John McCain of Arizona had 22%; publisher Steve Forbes had about 3% and conservative activist Gary Bauer had less than 2%.

On the Democratic side, Gore won with 75%. Former rival Bill Bradley had 20% and perennial candidate Lyndon H. LaRouche Jr. had 5%.

In Wisconsin’s Republican primary, Bush won with 70%. McCain had 18% and Alan Keyes, who is still running, pulled 10%. Forbes had a little over 1%.

In the Democratic contest, Gore won with 89%. Bradley had over 9% and LaRouche had about 1%.

Tuesday’s results were important despite the lack of drama. Pennsylvania, with 23 Electoral College votes, could be a critical swing state in November. Wisconsin has 11 electoral votes.