Why States Want Early Primaries

Much of the schedule is still up in the air, but next year's primary season will start earlier -- and end sooner -- than ever before

The Democratic and Republican parties are about to lose control of the way their presidential candidates are chosen. Both had picked a select group of states that could elect nominees before Feb. 5, 2008. But Florida, which wasn't one of them, is now set to break the party-approved barrier and move its primary up to Jan. 29. South Carolina, which the parties picked to have the first Southern primary, says it will move its G.O.P. primary even earlier to keep that distinction. New Hampshire, scheduled for Jan. 22, requires its secretary of state to move its primary to stay at least...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!