Primary Schedule Finally Set – But At What Cost?Paul Hogarthbyline‚ Nov. 27‚ 2007Last week, after months of speculation, the New Hampshire Secretary of State set a firm date for the Granite State’s presidential primary – on Tuesday, January 8th, following the Iowa caucus on January 3rd. Never in presidential election history have we had a primary season start this early. Never has the schedule been this chaotic, as each state played a selfish game of “me-first.” It’s a mystery how many voters will even come out so soon after New Years’ Day, and it could put a huge monkey wrench in the plans for Democrats who want the best candidate to take back the White House. For the scores of campaign workers toiling in New Hampshire for their candidate, finally knowing when the Election will happen must be a relief. But with 37 days left before Iowa, and 42 days before New Hampshire, it doesn’t give much time to pull off an upset and win the nomination. |