A Big Bicoastal Finale

California and New Jersey Democrats gird for Super Tuesday III

Multiple-choice test for political strategists: Name a delegate-rich coastal state that boasts low unemployment and a concentration of high-tech industry, and is filled with well-educated suburban voters who enthusiastically favor a nuclear freeze and worry deeply about pollution from toxic-waste dumps? Oh yes, one other characteristic: its primary next week will be the key to capturing the Democratic nomination. Is it a) California; b) New Jersey; c) both?

For Gary Hart, the correct answer is c): he badly needs victories in both states to...

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