Black voters play key role in S. Carolina, Missouri

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The South Carolina and Missouri primaries next week will be the first test for the Democratic presidential candidates seeking inroads into the black vote.

Political strategist Morris Reid said the importance of these primaries have increased and candidates who choose to skip certain heavily black states early in the primary season are taking a big gamble.

"South Carolina is the Iowa for the black community, and I don't believe Senator Kerry is making the right decision," Mr. Reid said. Mr. Kerry pulled out of South Carolina turning his attention to the New Hampshire and Missouri contests.

Black voters have yet to latch on to a single Democratic candidate, which leaves the eight Feb. 3 primaries even more crucial for those seeking to make it to the next round of primaries.

Census figures show that 29.5 percent of South Carolinians are black. Exit polls from the 2000 election show that 53 percent of South Carolina voters who voted for Democratic nominee Al Gore were black.

Donna Brazile, director of the Democratic National Committee's Voting Rights Institute, agreed. She said the outcome of the Iowa caucuses has shifted some of the attention to South Carolina, but added that the Southern state's primary could be equally unpredictable.

"I don't think South Carolina voters will make up their mind until after New Hampshire; maybe they will certify the Iowa and New Hampshire votes or they may seek to make their own choice," she said.

Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina who finished a surprising second in Iowa has been the early favorite in South Carolina representing the state's northern cousin. But the field is muddled with numerous candidates having close relationships in the state and endorsements are scattered.

Mr. Edwards, who was born in South Carolina, has been snubbed by noteworthy colleagues.

Rep. James E. Clyburn, South Carolina Democrat and former chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, endorsed Rep. Richard A. Gephardt of Missouri, who has since dropped out of the race, and isn't expected to stick his neck out for anyone else. On Thursday, Mr. Kerry was endorsed by Sen. Ernest F. Hollings, a fixture in South Carolina Democratic politics.