However, when Dean exited the race polls showed Kerry with over 2:1 leads over contender John Edwards.

Following victories in Idaho, Utah and Hawaii, Kerry moved into the Super Tuesday contests swiftly and with major momentum.

Kerry campaigned hard in California and didn't take competition from Edwards and Kucinich lightly.

[6] John Edwards, having come out with a strong second place showing in Wisconsin (losing to Kerry 40%–34%), claimed significant momentum heading into California and other Super Tuesday nominating contests on the same day.

Kerry's only legit opponent left, John Edwards, received under 20% of the vote, insuring his major defeat.