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December 2, 2008 11:26:39 AM CST

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'08 Campaign Calendar Is a Mess: Rove

Posted Dec 20, 07 11:54 AM CST in Politics 

(Newser) – The 2008 election cycle is a ridiculous mess, writes Karl Rove in today's Wall Street Journal. Though the primary campaign began earlier than ever, it will be decided in an unprecedented whirlwind, with 32 states being determined between Jan. 3 and Feb. 5. No candidate can effectively campaign in that many states that quickly, and worse, it’ll lead to an overlong general election march.

The bunched-up primaries will further swell the influence of early states, Rove argues, raising the likelihood of a “bandwagon” candidate sweeping early contests. And the extended general election will bore voters “even more than it has in the past.” It’s too late to save ’08, but whether by legislation or party rules, we have to do better next time, the longtime GOP operative writes.

Source Wall Street Journal

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The pushed-up primary season means that 32 states will be decided between Jan. 3 and Feb. 5 -- making effective campaigning impossible and further distorting the influence of early states.   (Associated Press)
Karl Rove prepares to address the Jackson County Lincoln Day dinner in Jackson, Mich., Saturday, March 24, 2007. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)   (Associated Press)
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove listens as President Bush participates in a meeting on Medicare in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, April 23, 2007. (AP Photo/Gerald...   (Associated Press)
Beth Myers smiles at the Romney 2008 campaign office in Boston Friday, April 27, 2007. Myers, once an aide to Karl Rove, went on to become Romney's gubernatorial chief of staff, and now manages for Mitt...   (Associated Press)
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Election 2008 • Karl Rove • Iowa caucus • New Hampshire primary • presidential primaries • primary leapfrogging


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