The following politicians declared themselves candidates for the election: * Governor Josiah Bartlet of New Hampshire * Senator John Hoynes of Texas * Senator William Wiley of Washington In the Fall of 1997, it appeared almost certain that Senator John Hoynes would easily become the Democratic nominee for President (Bartlet for America). In fact, a poll taken in late October showed him leading by 48 points over any of his other challengers. However, after Hoynes won in the Iowa Caucus as expected, with Wiley finishing in second and Bartlet finishing a surprising third, Bartlet won an easy victory in New Hampshire, his home state.