[TheBigB]

I think the longer it takes to decide the nominee the better, because it means both will have to keep spending more and more money while W. can sock it away.

[bondjamesbond]

A contested primary does not hurt the Democrats. It raises interest in their contest and gets the candidate on TV. Money spent on primaries will be more than made up for by the increased effectiveness in fundraising caused by the drama of the race. Plus a contested campaign helps the eventual nominee sharpen his message and define himself for the fall battle.

IMHO, the best thing that could happen for the Republicans is to have this thing settled early. Let the disappointed losers whine and cry about the front-loaded primary, and let Kerry drop from the radar screen for four months. By July, he'd be "John F Who?" at the convention.