Bush Beats Gov. Reagan In Pennsylvania Primary

Former Ambassador George Bush scored a decisive upset victory over former California Gov. Ronald Reagan in yesterday's Pennsylvania primary.

With 51 per cent of precincts reporting, Bush led Reagan by 57 to 41 per cent. Rep. John B. Anderson (R-I11.), running as a write-in, received 2 per cent of the vote.

As of 12:30 a.m. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy '54 (D-Mass) led President Carter by 51 to 42 per cent with 53 per cent of the popular vote counted. But delayed returns from Pittsburgh and rural counties in the western part of the state are expected to boost Carter's share.

Neither Kennedy nor Carter claimed victory or conceded defeat late last night, though Kennedy, speaking at this campaign in Philadelphia told supporters, "it appears as if we have a narrow victory."

Kennedy Catch-up

Early returns showed Kennedy picking up 94 of the state's 185 Democratic delegates, to Carter's 91. With 1666 delegates needed for nomination, news projections show Carter with 1083 to Kennedy's 580, with 55 uncommitted.

On the Republican side, the delegate outcome was uncertain because the state elects delegates through a "blind ballot" system. ABC News last night projected that Reagan garnered 44 of the state's 83 delegates, to Bush's 22.

Before the primary, Reagan led Bush in the delegate race by 577 to 109, with 998 needed for nomination. Anderson had 59.

Addressing supporters in Houston yesterday, Bush said his victory showed voters realized that he, not Reagan, is the only Republican able to defeat Carter in the general election. The Pennsylvania primary pit Reagan against Bush without other Republicans for the first time this year.

Demographics

Both Kennedy and Bush won sizable majorities among Pennsylvania blacks, ABC exit polls showed. Kennedy also led Carter among Catholics, blue-collar union workers, and among people who cited the economy as a main concern.

Kennedy told supporters in Philadelphia that his strong showing reflects the "anguish, anxiety, and concern of millions of Americans" about the economy.

"If our campaign speaks for anyone, it speaks for the workers of this country caught in the extraordinary position of seeing their wages constantly being eaten away by inflation, and living with the real possibility of losing their jobs," Kennedy said.