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'08 Campaign Calendar Is a Mess: Rove

Crowded primaries make campaigning impossible, distort race

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 20, 2007 11:54 AM CST
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(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.

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.
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)
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 Herbert)
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 Romney's 2008 campaign for the presidency. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
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)
Karl Rove prepares to address the Jackson County Lincoln Day dinner in Jackson, Mich., Saturday, March 24, 2007. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Karl Rove prepares to address the Jackson County Lincoln Day dinner in Jackson, Mich., Saturday, March 24, 2007. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)   (Associated Press)
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COMMENTS
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Will Clinton be stampeded by the 'herding effect?'
New York Times

Iowa and New Hampshire not without value
Associated Press

Will Texas' post Feb. 5 contest be relevant?
Houston Chronicle

Maybe we should rethink the calendar - based on the weather
Washington Post

 
Karl Rove • presidential primaries • primary leapfrogging • New Hampshire primary • Election 2008 • Iowa caucuses

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