ATLANTA -- The race for the Democratic presidential nomination appears over. John Edwards will quit the race Wednesday after a string of Super Tuesday triumphs gave John Kerry an insurmountable lead. Kerry all but cemented the Democratic presidential nomination, racking up wins in nine of the 10 states holding contests. Kerry won in California, New York, Georgia, Ohio, his native Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

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Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, who suspended his campaign following the Wisconsin primary, won in Vermont.

From the jobs-poor Midwest to the growing Southwest battleground to Edwards' southern strongholds, Kerry proved over and over he is a winner. The senator won 25 of the first 28 elections.

"I want to thank you, but I don't want you to stop the enthusiasm," Kerry told a cheering crowd at a rally in Washington. "Thank you all, to the voters from coast to coast who have truly made this a super Tuesday."

President Bush telephoned Kerry to congratulate him on wrapping up the Democratic presidential nomination and said he looked forward to a "spirited contest."

"You had an important victory tonight," Bush's campaign manager quoted the president as telling Kerry.

Kerry said they had a "nice conversation" and that he told Bush he hopes for a "great debate about the issues before the country."

Edwards also congratulated Kerry, calling him an "extraordinary advocate" for such causes as more jobs, better health care and a cleaner environment.

With the Democratic nomination all but sewn up, Kerry praised his two closest competitors, first paying tribute to Edwards, calling him a "personal friend."

"There is no question that he brings a compelling voice to our party, great eloquence to the cause of working men and women across our country and great promise of leadership," Kerry said.

Kerry then thanked Dean, who many credit with reenergizing the Democratic Party.

"Again today we are reminded of the unprecedented contribution he has made to our party and country by bringing so many who are disenfranchised ... to the process," Kerry said.

Edwards To Drop Out After Disapointing Tuesday

Edwards was hoping a win in key states like Ohio and Georgia would sustain his campaign another week when several southern states will hold primaries. But he lost big in Ohio, one of his must-win states.

"He's stepping aside," a Democratic official told the Associated Press.

A second Democratic official said Edwards will drop out Wednesday in Raleigh, N.C. (More)

Vermont Gives Dean First Primary Win

He's no longer campaigning for the nomination, but Dean won his first primary Tuesday in his home state. Vermont Democrats displayed little concern that Dean withdrew from the race Feb. 18 after going winless in the first 17 contests. Exit polls show they favored their former governor by a 2 -1 margin over front-runner John Kerry. John Edwards was not on the ballot.

One Dean supporter said the Vermont vote sends a message across the nation that he still has supporters out there. Dean had asked supporters to continue sending delegates committed to him to the Democratic National Convention.

Aides said Dean did not plan to do anything more than release a statement Tuesday night. He planned to attend high school sporting events in the evening.

Kerry To Begin Search For Running Mate

With the nomination virtually sewn up, Kerry is moving quickly to complete the Democratic ticket.

Kerry marked his victory by ordering aides to set up a process for reviewing potential running mates. Senior advisers said it's possible Kerry will choose a nominee well before the Democratic nominating convention in July.

In television interviews, Kerry declined to discuss potential candidates for vice president. Some Democrats have mentioned Edwards as a possible running mate.

The Massachussets senator is already gearing up for a general-election fight with President Bush.

"Wait until you see the fire in my belly," he said in an interview Tuesday.

As he looks ahead to November, Kerry touted his civil rights credentials in an interview with the American Urban Radio Network. He said President Clinton "was often known as the first black president." Kerry said he thinks he "could earn the right to be the second."

Kerry has also sharpened his position against gay marriage, saying he supports civil unions and equal rights. But, he said he has a simple belief that "marriage is between a man and a woman."

Desire To Defeat Bush Common Among Democrats

Some voters who cast ballots in today's Super Tuesday races say it's not so much about the Democratic hopefuls as it is about ousting President Bush.

A suburban Cincinnati voter said the issue that drove him is "getting rid of Bush." Ron Debry said that led him to vote for front-runner John Kerry. Cleveland voter John Richburg said what he calls President Bush's "lies" have "done him out."

"He's got to go," Richburg added.

Carol Goodwin of New Rochelle, N.Y., said she voted for Edwards because he seems "more forthright and honest than the other candidates."