Front-Loading the Primaries

Host:

Warren Olney

Produced by:

Karen Radziner

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Big and little states are trying to increase their influence in next year's presidential elections by holding their primaries earlier. Will voters be singing Christmas carols in New Hampshire? (An extended version of this discussion was originally broadcast earlier today on To the Point.)

To give the western states a louder voice, the Democrats will hold nominating caucuses in Nevada in January, before the New Hampshire primary. Meantime, Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wants next year's primary on February 5, to give California a voice in selecting presidential nominees. Increased political clout may motivate Democrats and Republicans in the state legislature to go along. Elected officials may hope that voters asked to change the primary date, will also respond favorably to extending term limits of Senators and Assembly members. There's also the argument that an early California primary means discussion of California issues. (An extended version of this discussion was originally broadcast earlier today on To the Point.)

Guests:

Andrew Smith: professor of political science at the University of New Hampshire
Walter Shapiro: Washington Bureau Chief for Salon.com, @waltershapiroPD
Michael Mishak: political reporter for the Las Vegas Sun, @mjmishak
Carla Marinucci: Political Writer, San Francisco Chronicle, @cmarinucci

A CD copy of Which Way L.A.? is a available by calling 1.888.600.5279.
Transcripts are not available.

Underwriters

Which Way L.A.? is made possible in part by the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, the Nathan Cummings Foundation, and the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation, which supports study and research into policy issues of the Los Angeles region.

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