The Democrats are unable to settle on a single candidate whom they believe can be competitive throughout the country. And so, for the first time since 1836, a major party runs different candidates in different states. Candidates run in the states they won in the primaries, and it is agreed between them that whoever wins the greatest number of electoral votes will be the selection of the party if it goes to be decided by the Democratic House, leading to a race between the regions for their candidates.
Sen. Antonio is strong among Hispanics and also does well among urban and suburban "white ethnics." Rep. Adam C Fitzgerald does well in the Midwest and among African Americans. Fmr VP Sawx has strengths in his home regions of New England and Philadelphia. His views on guns and drugs, more libertarian than those of his opponents, help him in many other parts of the country as well.
map of Democratic candidates:
Fmr VP Sawx (D-PA): 230 possible EVSen Antonio (D-CA): 166 possible EVRep Adam C Fitzgerald (D-OH): 142 possible EVGov. Goldwater of Washington wins the Republican nomination.
Gov. Goldwater (R-WA) 281 Fmr VP Sawx (D-PA) 109Sen Antonio (D-CA) 93Rep Adam C Fitzgerald (D-CA) 55Though the Democrats strategy allowed them to do better than many expected, Gov Goldwater runs a strong race against a not completely unified opposition and so wins the election.