The case for regional primaries followed by a national primary.

[Yavin4]

In the last three contested Democratic primaries, 2008, 2016, and now 2020, the nominee was pretty much decided after the first few contests. However, the perception by the public. and even some campaigns, was that the race had just gotten started and that there still was a path for their candidate to win even though the basic math was against them. This has created confusion among some and even charges of "rigging" or "cheating" among others. Look at how bitterly fought the 2008 primary campaign season was as an example.

The primary process needs to clear and give every Democrat in the country a voice in who will be the nominee from the very start. I propose a two round system. The first round would be 4 regional primaries, North, South, East, and West. Candidates can declare in only one region. There's no limit as to how many candidates can be in one region. By popular vote, the top two finishers in each region would go on to the national primary.

Ninety days from the regional primary, the top eight candidates compete in the national primary. Whoever gets the majority is the nominee.

First, obviously this means that the campaigns would have to raise a lot of money from the start to even consider a run. However, if you build a strong organization then you can overcome having to raise large sums of money. Also, you can choose the Southern region where it may be less expensive than say the Western or Eastern regional.

Second, this gives everyone an equal voice in the nominee selection. I live in NYC, and the nominating process will be over once we have our primary or I will have a very limited choice of who to vote for.

Third, we get rid of this stupid caucus system. It's an anachronism. They're confusing and again, limits the voice of the people. We want to encourage people to participate not discourage them.

I think that this system would benefit those candidates that can build organizations at least on a regional basis and discourage candidates who think that they can catch lightening in a bottle with a presidential run. Build an organization first and stop relying on favorable media coverage to propel your campaign.

[OAITW r.2.0]

1. I like this....4 regions and finish with a national vote that deliver the rank and file opinion

on who they like. Could change over the regional events - one every 6 weeks? And a final, no-binding national opinion poll of all Democrats.