Earlier this year President Carter commented that Iowa should no longer be first.
It would be better for some if we just left the little states out of it. What does middle America know about electing a president. I read comments that those in California or Texas are upset that a state like Iowa, Wisconsin, or New Hampshire are first in deciding who they want to represent them. "That isn't right," they say, "we are much bigger."
That my friends is the point. Once California, Florida, New York, or Texas vote it matters little what other states might want. A big ship once headed in any direction is difficult to turn but a small vessel can be changed with less effort. Those of us that have lived in the west know well what it can feel like to have your vote mean less when you watch the evening news, seeing the instant polling and decide whether it's still worth it to go vote (right or not many react this way) Giving those in Nevada, Wisconsin, or Iowa a chance to vote before most of the big kids will give a voice to citizens just as worthy as any big state.
The second benefit comes when you look at the candidates at the start and when it is over. The way the system currently works makes it possible, that the Huckabee's, Kerry's, and Hunters can obtain a chance to gain a voice by focusing on a state that cares more about what you say face to face than on what they see or hear in the nightly news.
If the party faithful decide that Huckabee or Edwards is not what they want they can easily change the course. If you were to allow New York or California the first swing the impact would be enormous giving Nevada little voice in what they had to say. This is the most democratic process we can have and it gives a chance that the small guy without huge cash reserves, without fame, to get their shot.
Consider if the GOP had any power house state up front. First the capital would be enormous to get your voice heard. Name recognition would be paramount. Popularity would rule the day. In 2008 we would most like be presented with our two front runners, Mayor Guliani and Senator Clinton as our candidates. They have the overwhelming name power that a state as large as California would be difficult to overcome.
As Bill Gardner, Secretary of State for New Hampshire said, "it gives the little guy a chance." it takes more than big dollars and flashy add campaigns. Name recognition can be overcome with good old fashioned grassroots effort. "We have made it possible for the so-called unknown candidates to make their case without having millions of dollars in the bank. and in turn, we demand that candidates move beyond the rope line and scripted town hall meetings, and directly answer the hard questions form voters. As a result, the voters, the candidates and the political process all benefit..."