Kevin J. Coleman
Published: 2011-05-12
Total Pages: 15
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Every four years, the presidential nominating process generates complaints and proposed modifications, often directed at the seemingly haphazard and fast-paced calendar of primaries and caucuses. The rapid pace of primaries and caucuses that characterized the 2000 and 2004 cycles continued in 2008, despite national party efforts to reverse the phenomenon known as front- loading. Because many states scheduled early contests in the 2000 cycle, both parties subsequently created task forces on the process. The nominating system has resisted wholesale change despite criticism every four years from voters, the candidates, and the press. After several decades of debate, observers are divided on the best approach to reform. The lack of consensus for reworking the primary system is due partly to its complex design, which frustrates pursuit of a simple, obvious solution, and partly to the political parties pursuing their own variable interests concerning their delegate selection rules. The states further complicate the process by independently scheduling primary election dates. Congress, political commentators, academics, and others have offered various reform proposals over the years, but many important dimensions of reform depend on whether the parties are willing to change the system for choosing delegates to their national conventions. Contents of this report: 2008 Election; Calendar Changes, 1988-2008; National Party Rules Changes for 2012; Evaluating the Primary System; Reform Proposals; Legislative Considerations. Figure and table. This is a print on demand report.