Democrats Snub New Hampshire Primary

NewsMax ^ | 24 July 2006

[Aussie Dasher]

Nevada will now beat New Hampshire's primary.

That's the biggest change coming from the Democratic Party's decision to alter the presidential nominating calendar, a move that came in response to worries that a lack of racial and geographic diversity in the early primary season was hurting the party's fortunes.

On Saturday, the Democratic National Committee bumped New Hampshire from second place in the nominating process. Nevada's caucuses were placed between the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary. South Carolina also rose in prominence: Its primary will come after New Hampshire but before Feb. 5, when any state can schedule a vote.

The changes, by the DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee, are the first significant calendar restructuring in years.

"Today we begin the initial steps of electing a Democratic president," Alexis Herman, secretary of labor during the Clinton administration and a co-chair of the Rules and Bylaws Committee, told the Washington Post.

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The choices of Nevada and South Carolina came after months of lobbying by the 11 states (as well as the District of Columbia) that applied to the committee to be considered for early voting status.

Critical Democratic constituencies such as blacks and Hispanics have clamored for a major role in early primary voting, arguing that Iowa and New Hampshire are hardly reflective of a diverse electorate.

Iowa's population is 95 percent white, New Hampshire's is 96.2 percent, according to the latest Census numbers.

According to the Post, Nevada had long been considered the front-runner for the caucus slot, because it carried the strong backing of Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., as well as the majority of the organized labor movement -- one of the party's most influential voting blocs.

South Carolina, too, had been the favorite to secure the post-New Hampshire primary spot thanks to its successful handling of the 2004 Democratic presidential primary as well as its substantial black population, one of the main criteria given by the committee in its consideration.

Harold Ickes -- a committee member and confidante of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., a potential 2008 candidate -- spoke in opposition to South Carolina's primary out of concern that it would be a walkover for former Sen. John Edwards (N.C.) should he choose to run, the Post reported.

Several committee members rejected that logic, noting that a number of potential candidates have already begun campaigning in the state.

According to the Baltimore Sun, the panel's decision will be presented to the full Democratic National Committee when it meets in Chicago on Aug. 19. The recommendations are typically ratified.

However, it remains unclear whether New Hampshire will abide by the committee's decision. Under state law, no similar contest can be placed within seven days of the Granite State primary -- a near-certainty given the constraints of the new nominating calendar.

[Aussie Dasher]

What's that old saying about deck chairs on the Titanic?

Methinks the 'Rats probably have more important issues to deal with...

[PhiKapMom]

We just may get NH back in the red column after this snub!

[sgtbono2002]

Its a contest to see who gets the money from the politicians who spread it around a state in hopes of winning that state. They keep getting earlier and earlier. hell!! lets just start tomorrow.

[raccoonradio]

also here, via WTNH-TV New Haven

Winner of NH Primary doesn't always win the nomination: past winners have included Paul Tsongas, Gary Hart, John McCain, Pat Buchanan, Ed Muskie.

If you ever go up to Concord, NH, near the State House there are markers/mini-monuments in the ground naming the winner of the NH Primary each time around. Nearby is the Museum of New Hampshire History (went there and they had a small bit about the primary, including the "I'm paying for this microphone" Reagan bit). Minor league baseball team in Manchester, NH, was to be the N.H. Primaries but fans decided NH Fisher Cats (a type of weasel) was better.

[MaDeuce]

Well the Wikipedia states "...New Hampshire state law requires the primary to take place seven days before any other "similar contest," which state officials have always interpreted to mean any contest other than Iowa's caucus."

Also, why is it that the political party who always calls for a color-blind society, uses race and color to determin who should get the first primary? Hummm ... anyone?

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

ROFL! Is that a real team logo?

[Seaplaner]

Meet today's Democrats.

In all their worries about political paybacks (think Mister Reid here) and logistical minutiae, they don't seem too worried that their once great party has been stolen by dark elements of the far, far left.

Hey there, all you Democrats!

Yeah, I'm talking (writing, actually) to you!

You have no idea how good you currently have it in this wonderful country; and,

You are completely clueless about just how truly miserable YOU would be if you ever got your way and made the U.S.A. a Utopian globalist collective.

.

[Iowa Granny]

FYI

[BerniesFriend]

At the risk of being flamed by my fellow freepers..I hate to take common cause with foreign foes on the primary schedule..and I know that the dems want to get more minorities involved in the primaries..but I really want to vent about New Hampshire..I have been to New Hampshire..it is a wonderful vacation state..the people there were so nice to us..having said that..what is wrong with the GOP in NH????..in 1996 they voted for Pat Buchanan over Bob Dole..I know Dole was not the perfect candidate..but Buchanan had absolutely no chance of beating clinton..then what really drew my ire was in 2000..the day before the NH primary Texas Governor Bush had a oh horror of horrors..a country band at a picnic..and then had his parents..the former first family introduced him..for this terrible crime they voted for mccain..I would so love for President Bush..as leader of the GOP to invoke several other states will be first..and if NH tries to jump up first..to null and void them..my two cents..putting on my flame retardant suit...

[Biblebelter]

The primaries are just an opportunity for the elites in both parties to anoint a candidate. If one considers the median age of those now voting, then most voters who vote in primaries have never had an opportunity to cast a vote for a presidential candidate where the outcome was not already decided. The parties manipulation of the current process is just as bad as the smoke filled rooms of the late 19 th and early 20th centuries. If the elitist clowns who run both these corrupt parties cared about voters, they would put the first primary in battleground states such as Florida, Ohio, and Missouri. I would like to see voters in populous states that are not permanently blue or red get an opportunity to vote when the outcome is in doubt. But the current system is probably more favorable for Republicans because the front loaded primaries favor elite Democrats that voters in the battleground states just do not connect with.

[Republican Wildcat]

a move that came in response to worries that a lack of racial and geographic diversity in the early primary season was hurting the party's fortunes.

Yeah, that's the reason, alright.

[Political Junkie Too]

Critical Democratic constituencies such as blacks and Hispanics have clamored for a major role in early primary voting, arguing that Iowa and New Hampshire are hardly reflective of a diverse electorate.

Sure, make the move only when the illegal aliens make a big noise. The Democrats are only trying to capitalize on the influx of illegals, not any sense of giving minorities more influence in the party.

-PJ

[raccoonradio]

It WAS. From Wikipedia:
(Team was orig. the New Haven Ravens; was sold and
moved to Manchester, NH)

---

"On November 6, 2003, the new management unveiled the New Hampshire Primaries name and logo, which featured an elephant and a donkey holding baseball bats, and was to be used starting in the 2004 season. The management stated that they felt it reflected a unique aspect of the state, since the New Hampshire primary, held every four years, signifies the start of the Presidential election process. Immediately, the name and logo were widely criticized. An online petition was created by two local baseball fans asking the team ownership to reconsider their decision and was covered by local newspapers, radio, and television stations.

"This coverage was led by a front-page article in the New Hampshire Union Leader, New Hampshire's largest newspaper, on Sunday November 9, 2003. By the afternoon of November 10, over 1200 unique visitors had signed the petition. Later in the day, the team announced that they would not use the Primaries name after all and that they would seek public opinion on a new name.

"On November 13, 2003, the team announced the “Name the Team” contest which had three phases over the following weeks. During the first phase, fans submitted suggestions. During the second phase, fans ranked their top five favorite names from the suggestions. For the final phase, fans voted for their single favorite among the top five names from the second round. On December 3, the final voting results were announced: New Hampshire Fisher Cats (1,574 votes - 24.5%), Manchester Millers (1,552 votes - 24.1%), Granite State Mountain Men (1,382 vote - 21.5%), New Hampshire Granite (1,302 votes - 20.2%), and New Hampshire Primaries (627 votes - 9.7%).

"On January 22, 2004, the team unveiled the set of logos that would be used for the name New Hampshire Fisher Cats."

[LiveFree99]

Ah, 1996, how time does pass...

The primary situations as I remember them...

Tired old Bob Dole had never been very popular in New Hampshire--many of his supporters were hacks from the party establishment. I was a Phil Gramm supporter (ye gods, what a disaster his campaign turned out to be!) who was cut loose when he dropped out after Iowa. I voted for Buchanan just to stick it to the establishment and Dole, who I knew was going to win the nomination anyhow and then lose to Clinton.

I have seldom seen a candidate with more fired up supporters than Buchanan's 1996 New Hampshire team. In contrast, the Dole campaign was dull and lifeless. From what I was told, his effort in the state during the general election was even more feeble and pathetic.

As for 2000, Bush really didn't run a good campaign in the state, apparently relying on the momentum from Iowa to keep him going. McCain had been puffed up by the national media and a lot of independents went to the polls and voted for him (The Gore-Bill Bradley contest had basically been decided by that time).

Hope this gives you a little more insight into what happened. Please come back soon to New Hampshire, and be sure to take advantage of our tax-free shopping and low-priced, well-stocked state liquor stores.

[burroak]

"...that's the reason..."

Can you spell H A R R Y R E I D?

[Paleo Conservative]

Winner of NH Primary doesn't always win the nomination: past winners have included Paul Tsongas, Gary Hart, John McCain, Pat Buchanan, Ed Muskie.

But in only two cases did the loser of a party presidential primary in New Hampshire go on to win the presidential election. That was George W. Bush in 2000 and Bill Clinton in 1992.

1972 Ed Muskie wins the 'RAT NH primary, but cries while making a public statement. George McGovern wins the 'RAT nomination, and goes on to lose 49 of 50 states in the electoral college to incumbent president Richard M. Nixon.

1984 Senator Gary Hart wins NH 'RAT primary; Walter Mondale wins the RAT nomination and loses 49 out of 50 states in the electoral college.

1992 Former Senator Tsongas wins the NH DemocRAT primary; Bill Clinton wins 'RAT nomination and presidential election.

1992 Pat Buchanan wins an upset victory over incumbent President George H. W. Bush who wins the Republican nomination but loses his reelection bid.

2000 Senator John McCain wins the NH Republican primary, but alienates cultural conservatives; George W. Bush wins the Republican nomination and wins the electoral college by just four votes after winning Florida's 24 electoral votes by a paper thin 537 popular vote margin.

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

Look, I just get up, turn on my computer to your ping and it's about DEMOCRATS!! What a way to start my day. It can only get better.

[Iowa Granny]

Sorry about the nasty wake up call.

You are correct. It can only get better.

Overcast and drizzle here. I may not have to water the flower beds today.

[SC Swamp Fox]

FReeping opportunities.

South Carolina Ping

Add me to the list. | Remove me from the list.

[upchuck]

Thanks for the ping Swampy!

South Carolina, too, had been the favorite to secure the post-New Hampshire primary spot thanks to its successful handling of the 2004 Democratic presidential primary as well as its substantial black population, one of the main criteria given by the committee in its consideration.

Gee, that's almost... dare I say it... racist!

In talking with lots of folks about this, I have spoken with a number of black folks who are waking up to the fact that the RATS DO NOT always have their best interests in mind.