Politics | primary Primary Winners and Losers— Beyond Barack and Hillary Big gambles led to big payoffs, losses By Kevin Spak Posted Jun 12, 2008 12:30 PM CDT Copied Barack Obama, Edward Kennedy, and Claire McCaskill listen to President Bush's State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress, Monday Jan. 28, 2008, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds) Barack Obama may be the big winner, but loads of other political fortunes hung in the balance this primary season. Politico breaks down the winners and losers. Winners: Claire McCaskill: Got tons of air-time and used it brilliantly for Obama Nancy Pelosi: Pulled off a nifty trick by remaining neutral, but leaving breadcrumbs leading to Obama Ted Kennedy: Critical endorsement legitimized Obama Ed Rendell: Clinton lost, but Rendell delivered Pennsylvania and stayed on message Losers Evan Bayh: Clinton’s oh-so-narrow Indiana victory diminishes his aura Daniel Inouye: The Hawaii senator bet against a favorite son—and lost, too Anibal Acevedo: Had to step down as Obama’s co-chair when he was arrested for fraud. Oh, and there was the Clinton landslide in Puerto Rico Mike Easley: Didn’t deliver any votes for Clinton, and grabbed attention for his “pansy” gaffe Read These Next Mid That 'buy now, pay later' loan may soon hit your credit score. Cops: Arizona 5th graders drew up plot to 'end' a classmate. The Bezos-Sanchez wedding: guest list, cost, the dress, and more. Report an error