Kerry surges ahead as Clark leaves dwindling field

HIS front-runner status, bolstered by dual Southern victories, John Kerry is looking to Wisconsin to dispatch the dwindling field of Democratic presidential rivals still clinging to hope.

Kerry's strong victories in Virginia and Tennessee on Tuesday chased one Southern-bred rival from the race. Wesley Clark of Arkansas ended his bid after dismal third-place showings, while runner-up John Edwards of North Carolina said he would not quit.

As his remaining rivals scrambled for a last-ditch strategy to stop him in Wisconsin, Kerry retreated to his Washington home for two days of rest. He returns to the campaign trail tomorrow with stops in Wisconsin, which holds a primary next Tuesday, and Nevada, which holds caucuses on Saturday.