BTW, there is nothing wrong with being a small state. Wyoming happens to be my favorite. I just take issue with one having an inflated sense of self-importance. I'm tired of Sodom-on-the-Prairie thinking they can pick nominees for the rest of us.
Keep in mind however that we are not truly the ones “picking” these nominees. The nation is doing it now.
Of the “sorting” that has so far happened; how much of it is do to my state of Iowa?
Very little. The debates; the gaffes that have happened; are not Iowa centered.
The pools which are reflecting preferences; are mostly national polls.
There is value in having candidates get into small states and meet people face to face.
If not; all it would require is a lot of money and slick ad campaigns.
That would give us people like Mitt Romney.