DNC Rules Committee votes to put NH in third - Union Leader

The Democratic National Committee's rules and bylaws committee voted this afternoon to hold one caucus between the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary in 2008.

The amendment to the party's delegate selection rule also allows one additional primary to be held after the New Hampshire primary but before the opening of a window on Feb. 5, 2008, allowing all states to hold nominating contests.

New Hampshire Democratic Chair Kathy Sullivan was one of the few members of the committee to oppose the rule change. She said the rule change may violate New Hampshire law mandating that the primary be held at least seven days before any "similar election."

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Arizona and Nevada are viewed by party insiders as the front-runners to get the slot between Iowa and New Hampshire.

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http://unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Key+DNC+panel+would+put+NH+in+third+place&articleId=960d1690-057b-4986-9d0e-feed09b58434


If this new calendar is ratified by the full DNC Committee members New Hampshire will move. What will Iowa Do?


In addition, this from PoliticsNH.com:

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If Secretary of State Billy Gardner determines that it does violate state law he may decide to move the primary date to any he wishes, possibly setting up chaos on the calendar.

State Democratic Party Chair Kathy Sullivan, who is a member of the panel, was one of two to vote against the amendement.

While the vote is seen as a blow to the power of New Hampshire Democrats, some activists have suggested in recent months that additional caucuses could hurt Iowa more. Their thinking says that if there is two caucuses within days of each other many candidates will just to compete in just one. And if they have to choose they would be forced to pick the more diverse state.

The DNC panel will now hear from states that want to hold this coveted caucus. Southwestern states like Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona are viewed as the early front-runners.

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http://www.politicsnh.com/?q=node/299

Everyone still believe this won't affect Iowa? :shrug: