Kerry comes out on top in Iowa primary

Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts rode an 11th-hour surge to victory in Iowa’s kick-off presidential caucuses, upsetting Democratic front-runner Howard Dean and stunning caucus favourite Dick Gephardt.

Mr Kerry’s comeback blew the nomination fight wide open, setting the stage for a free-for-all in New Hampshire’s follow-up primary.

Two weeks ago, Mr Dean and Mr Gephardt were the co-favourites, but the former Vermont governor was stuck in third.

He pledged to plough ahead, saying, “on to New Hampshire”. Gephardt, winner of the 1988 caucuses, was falling far short of the victory he needed to keep his political career alive.

Senator John Edwards of North Carolina was in second. “It feels terrific,” he said as he awaited the final results. “What’s happened here the last two weeks with my campaign has been phenomenal.”

Mr Kerry had nothing to say while the voting proceeded, but he spoke of the stakes hours earlier: “We in Iowa are marking the beginning of the end of the Bush presidency. That’s what this is all about.”

Just weeks ago, before the Iowa race turned testy and tumultuous, Mr Dean was the undisputed front-runner – and anything less than a victory for him would shake up the crowded field, raising questions about his Internet-driven organisation and anti-establishment message.

Late-deciding voters turned away from gaffe-prone Mr Dean and his signature position in opposition to the Iraq war did not seem to resonate.