Why Should Iowa Have All The Fun

By Perry Bacon Jr.

The 2008 presidential candidates aren't the only ones vying to get in front next year. Tired of the outsize roles New Hampshire and Iowa have played in the nomination process, more than a dozen other states, including Nevada (see page 54), are joining a virtual presidential-selection scrum, hoping to grab a slice of the influence early voters get to exert. Here are some other states that have officially moved up their primaries. [This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine.] STATE DATES POSSIBLE IMPACT ALABAMA Old: June New: Feb. 5 A critical gauge of who will carry the black vote. It will be one of the first contests in a state with a population that's more than 25% black. ARKANSAS Old: May 20 New: Feb.5 The former Governor, G.O.P. underdog Mike Huckabee, could soar here. And the state's ex--first lady, Hillary Clinton, has "home" field. NEW JERSEY Old: June New: Feb. 26 The state could even join the Feb. 5 rush. Rudy Giuliani and Clinton should do well, given the dense population near New York. UTAH Old: Late February New: Feb. 5 G.O.P. competition will be fierce. The state's Governor endorses John McCain, but many legislators back Mitt Romney.