Okay, who DOES determine the primary schedule

[eileen from OH]

Or. . in other words, to whom should I bitch?

Is it the DNC?
Is it my state DEM PARTY?

I think I speak for a LOT of folks who represent states that have a TON of electoral votes but whose primaries are so late that they have ZIP/ZERO/NADA influence in the choice of the candidate.

We are needed BIG TIME in the GE, supporting the candidate chosen by others. And they wonder why there is apathy and why we don't just fall in line.

I'm sick of it, and I ain't alone. You want enthusiasm? How about letting us play a role in choosing the nominee?

eileen from the "must win" state of OH

[Rationality]

1. The same order applies to the Republican primaries

so the DNC has nothing to do with it.

I'm not sure how this order was established but I can, in a way understand why: the Iowas and New Hampshires would be irrelevant in the election process if they were shoved behind the Ohios and Californias.

That probably was no comfort to you, but nonetheless...

[Wonco_the_Sane]

2. I think...

Not sure but I believe the States themselves decided, and can move them from time to time.

[YouMustBeKiddingMe]

3. This is unprecedented though

It has never happened before that the same candidate has won 12 out of the first 14 primaries before that I know of. This won't happen again.

Another factor is that the process is "front-loaded" this time so as to settle on a nominee earlier than prior years. The result being that candidates falling behind don't have much time between primaries to get any traction and gain some momentum.

And, it's not completely accurate to say that other states have NO influence in the candidate. It still takes the requisite number of delegates. Kerry is polling pretty large leads in most states, so it's not likely his front runner status will change.

When is the Ohio primary anyway?

[Wonco_the_Sane]

4. Super Tuesday

I'll be there :) :)

[w13rd0]

5. I plan to march on Boston...

...I mean, what the hell, this *IS* the most important election in our lifetimes, isn't it?

[xxqqqzme]

6. it will happen w/ predictable

frequency as the media is more consolidated. The media has picked the democratic candidate based on small populated, mostly red states. Makes me feel great....not......since California has nearly 1/4 of the votes needed 2 nominate.