I live in Texas, the second most populous state in the union. According to government figures (7/09), the population of Texas is just about equal to the bottom 18 states based on their populations. And yet, when it comes time to pick presidential nominees, the race is usually over by the time we have our primary.
This system is broken. Iowa and New Hampshire, both nice states I’m sure, are not representative of the country at large, and therefore should not always be the first in the nation caucus and primary respectively.
I have a proposal that would rotate which states go first. Here it is:
The 50 states, DC, and the outlying areas (52 participants) that participate in the nominating process would be placed in groups of 5, by region, so there would be 10 groups total. For example, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachussetts, and Rhode Island would be in one group; Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and Wyoming would be in another, etc. Due to the odd number of participants, 2 groups would have a sixth member. I propose that DC goes with the group that includes Maryland, and the outlying areas go with the group that includes Alaska. The final configuration of the groups is not important right now. What is important is that the grouping be regional so that candidates could focus on that area in general, as well as on the specific states involved. Beginning on the Tuesday of the second full week in January, and continuing every other Tuesday until all states have voted, regional nominating elections would take place. Just as it is now, it would be up to each state to decide on a primary or caucus as their type of nominating election.
Under this proposed calendar, here are the dates we’d have nominating elections this 2012 cycle:
Jan: 10, 24 Feb: 7, 21 Mar: 6, 20 Apr: 3, 17 May: 1, 15
If the nominating fight continues all the way through May, that still give the parties 3 to 3.5 months to get ready for their national conventions and allow the candidates to begin campaigning for the fall.
Now, as far as different states being able to go first: Each regional group would be given a number, 1-10, and for 2016 these numbers would be picked, lotto style, and the order in which these primaries would happen would be set. If group 4 goes first in 2016, in 2020 they would move to 10th; 9th in 2024; 8th in 2028, etc. If group 10 goes 2nd in 2016, they would move to 1st in 2020; 10th in 2024; 9th in 2028, etc. This way each group will have the privilige of voting early on a rotating basis.
I am well aware of the massive logistical, legislative, and public (and political) relations undertaking this would be. I am convinced that it is the right and fair thing to do. Let’s do it!