Net Results

We're starting to get some early exit poll data from the four states that are holding presidential primaries today -- Ohio, Texas, Vermont and Rhode Island. Some highlights: according to the Associated Press, six in 10 Ohio Democratic voters said that the economy was the number one issue; that's the largest share of voters who identified the economy as their paramount concern in any state Democratic primary for which exit poll data are available. And eight in ten Democratic voters said that international trade pacts are more harmful than helpful -- more compelling evidence that Ohio Democrats blame NAFTA and other trade deals as contributing to a hemorrhaging of U.S. jobs abroad.

By contrast, in left-leaning and dovish Vermont, where Barack Obama is expected to defeat Hillary Rodham Clinton, about as many Democratic voters identified the Iraq War as the top issue as did those who chose the economy.

Stay tuned to this space this evening (and through tomorrow morning!) for analysis on the returns in these states.