Campaign ’96 / REPUBLICANS : The Pace Quickens

Eight primaries and two caucuses are on tap today, kicking off a three-week period in which more than 1,100 delegates to the Republican National Convention will be chosen. Here are the major battlegrounds:

NEW ENGLAND

The five states voting here today offer a potential delegate bonanza for Bob Dole. The contests are winner-takes-all, and Dole is well-organized in each state. He also should benefit from the region’s large number of moderate GOP voters. Patrick J. Buchanan looks for support in Maine, which gave independent Ross Perot his highest vote percentage in 1992.

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GEORGIA

On the heels of Saturday’s South Carolina vote, this contest provides another look at which way Southern Republicans are leaning. Recent polls have shown Dole in the lead, but Buchanan within hailing distance. A poor showing would seriously harm Larmar Alexander’s campaign.

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COLORADO

Dole led in a recent poll, but Steve Forbes has made a late bid to repeat his Arizona victory here. He campaigned in and around Denver last week and staged a last-minute television ad blitz. Forbes’ economic message could appeal to the state’s fast-growing professional population.

Delegates at Stake Today

Georgia: 42 / Delegates go to winner of cong. district

Massachusetts: 37 / Winner takes all

Minnesota*: 33 / Delegates awarded proportionately

Maryland: 32 / Delegates go to winner of cong. district

Colorado: 27 / Winner takes all

Connecticut: 27 / Winner takes all

Washington*: 18 / Delegates awarded proportionately

Rhode Island: 16 / Winner takes all

Maine: 15 / Winner takes all

Vermont: 12 Winner takes all

Total: 259

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Scorecard

Delegate count up to today’s contests:

Dole: 91

Forbes: 60

Buchanan: 37

Alexander: 10

Needed to Nominate: 996

Where the Season Stands

Today’s contests

Colorado

Connecticut

Georgia

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Minnesota

Rhode Island

Vermont

Washington

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States with contests to come

Alabama

Alaska

Arkansas

California

Florida

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Kansas

Kentucky

Michigan

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Virginia

West Virginia

Wisconsin

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States with contests already held

Arizona

Delaware

Iowa

Louisiana

New Hampshire

North Dakota

South Carolina

South Dakota

Wyoming

* States holding caucuses instead of primaries

Source: Times staff