Election 2008 - Primary, Caucus, and Convention Phase

Election 2008
Primary, Caucus, and Convention Phase

January 2008 thru September 2008

Pre-2008 Musings: It's often been said that the next election begins as soon as the newly-elected person is sworn into office, so I guess that means it's high time we all think about Election 2008!; Friday 21 January 2005 - Just for Fun!... mix n' match your own 2008 Major Party national tickets!!!

Mix n' Match your own 2008 DEMOCRATIC National Ticket

Mix n' Match your own 2008 REPUBLICAN National Ticket
Presidential Hopefuls
Election 2008 Presidential Primaries, Caucuses, and Conventions: State by State coverage. Includes the Delegate Selection Process, delegate allocation, delegate counts, popular vote, primary and caucus dates, primary types, voter eligibility, poll closing times.

States Alphabetically
States Chronologically
Major Events Chronologically
Democratic "First Determining Step" Chronologically
Summaries

State by State Summary
Primaries at a Glance
Chronological Cumulative Allocation of Delegates
Democrat Delegate Allocation

Republican Delegate Allocation

Delegate Selection and Voter Eligibility: Democrat / Republican

Pledged and Unpledged Delegates: Democrat / Republican

Floor vs Hard Count: Democrat / Republican

Details of Delegate Allocation

The Math behind the Democratic Delegate Allocation

The Math behind the Republican Delegate Allocation

Candidates (Ballot Access)

Democratic Candidates

Republican Candidates
Democratic 2008 Primary Notes: The [Democratic] Commission on Presidential Nomination Timing and Scheduling (http://www.democrats.org/commission/) "The Commission is charged with studying the timing of presidential primaries and caucuses and developing recommendations for the 2008 nominating process." Meeting dates:

Saturday 12 March 2005: History, Goals and Challenges

Saturday 14 May 2005: Presentation of Various Calendar Proposals

Saturday 1 October 2005: Discussion & Debate of Proposals

Saturday 3 December 2005: Commission Recommendations and Report

The recommendations are due 31 December 2005.

12 March 2006 update. The Commission recommends (transcribed from www.democrats.org):

Preserving the first-in-the-nation status of Iowa and New Hampshire but adding other states in the pre-window period.

14 April 2006: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada and South Carolina bid the DNC to begin their process early.

Adding 1 or 2 new first-tier caucuses between Iowa and New Hampshire, and 1 or 2 new primaries between New Hampshire and the opening of the window for all other states on 5 February 2008.

Having the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee determine which states should be added, using the following criteria: racial and ethnic diversity; geographic diversity; and economic diversity including union density.

The front-loading of states at the beginning of the calendar has also limited broader participation in the process. The trend toward bunching up on the first day of the window, or in the first month, does not enhance the role of any state or group of states. To be effective and to receive attention from candidates and the press, states must spread out the dates of their contests and restore a more deliberate pacing to the process.

Accordingly, the Commission recommends that the DNC work with State Parties and political leaders to schedule no more than five contests in any one week.

Additionally, the Commission has proposed, for consideration by the Rules and Bylaws Committee, a bonus delegate incentive system that would encourage states parties to schedule their events later in the process.

Finally, the Commission urges the DNC to engage at an early stage with the Republican Party with respect to the 2012 calendar so that the two parties can work together to move the entire process later in the presidential year and to harmonize their calendars. In addition, the Commission urges the DNC to support reform of the presidential public financing system; to continue its advocacy of extending and strengthening the Voting Rights Act; to use the presidential nominating process as a party-building opportunity; and to ensure that the Rules and Bylaws Committee is cognizant of election reform issues in administering the delegate selection process.

22 June 2006 update. A Democratic National Committee panel voted to add a state caucus after the Iowa Caucuses and a primary after the New Hampshire Primary. This recommendation will be sent to the full DNC for approval.

On 22 July 2006 the National Democratic Party's Rules and Bylaws Committee recommended the following 2008 schedule: Iowa Caucus 14 January 2008, Nevada Caucus 19 January 2008, New Hampshire Primary 22 January 2008, South Carolina Primary 29 January 2008, others beginning 5 February 2008. The Democratic National Committee approved this rule on 19 August 2006.
Overseas, Absentee, and Early Voting Dates: Michigan Primary: Tuesday 15 January 2008; Florida Primary: Tuesday 29 January 2008; Arizona Primary: Tuesday 5 February 2008; California Primary: Tuesday 5 February 2008; Connecticut Primary: Tuesday 5 February 2008; Illinois Primary: Tuesday 5 February 2008; Missouri Primary: Tuesday 5 February 2008; Tennessee Primary: Tuesday 5 February 2008; Utah Primary: Tuesday 5 February 2008; Louisiana Primary: Saturday 9 February 2008
State notes: Alabama: House HB51 / Senate SB52, passed on 27 April 2006, was to move the Alabama Presidential Primary from the first Tuesday in June to the first Tuesday in February. However, Alabama did not forward the bill to the U.S. Justice Department for pre-clearance under the Voting Rights Act and the bill did not become law.

On 15 March 2007, HB 358 was introduced to move the Alabama Presidential Primary to 5 February 2008. The bill passed the Legislature on 31 May 2007.

HB 358 states: Section 3. Section 17-13-100, Code of Alabama 1975, is amended to read as follows: �17-13-100.

(a) Primary elections for the purpose of determining the preferred candidates for President of the United States shall be held the first Tuesday in February each year in which a President is to be elected beginning in the year 2008.

(c)
(2) Qualified electors in Mobile County, Baldwin County, and any county that recognizes Mardi Gras as a county holiday may vote in the presidential preference primary on the Wednesday preceding the first Tuesday in February.

(4) When early voting is provided, votes on that day shall be counted by poll workers at the voting centers and the results shall be sealed without disclosure... such results shall remain sealed until the first Tuesday in February, when the final tabulation and canvassing shall be conducted, after which all results shall be announced at the same time.; Arizona: Arizona law allows for a Tuesday 26 February 2008 primary however, the Governor may- by proclamation- proclaim an earlier date. 23 July 2007: Arizona mulls primary move. On 21 August 2007, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano decided to move the state's Presidential Primary from Tuesday 26 February to Tuesday 5 February 2008. Media article.; Arkansas: Passed 3 March 2005 - SB235 moves the Presidential Primary from May to the the first Tuesday in February (5 February 2008).; California: 15 March 2007: Goveror Schwarzenegger signed SB 113 moving the state's Presidential Primary to the first Tuesday in February (5 February 2008). Find SB 113 here: Select SENATE and 113. Elections Code Sections 1000c,1202.; Connecticut: SB 1184 moves the state's Presidential Primary from the first Tuesday of March (4 March 2008) to first Tuesday in February (5 February 2008).

The bill was referred to Joint Committee on Government Administration and Elections on 14 February 2007, passed the GAE (13-0) on 30 March 2007, passed the state Senate (29-6 with 1 absent and not voting) on 2 May 2007, and passed the state House (118-29 with 4 absent and not voting) on 1 June 2007. The Governor signed the bill on 25 June 2007.; District of Columbia: On 25 July 2007, the District of Columbia council passed Act 1788. The law, which requires approval from the U.S. Congress, would move the District's Presidential Primary to the second Tuesday in February. Reference: http://www.dcgop.com/newsLogos/News/DC%20Presidential%20Primary%20Changes%20to%20Feb,%20Afro%20Newspaper,%205.18.07.pdf; Florida:
In August 2007, the Democratic National Committee voted to strip the Florida Democratic Party of its 210 national convention delegates because the Florida Democratic Delegate Selection Plan violates party rules. These rules state that only Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina can start their delegate selection process before 5 February 2008 but Florida has scheduled their primary for 29 January 2008. The DNC gave the Florida Democrats until 29 September 2007 to come up with an alternate delegate-selection plan that complies with party rules.

On 23 September 2007 the Florida Democrats responded:
"After months of careful deliberations, your Party's leaders have chosen overwhelmingly to reaffirm our strong commitment to fully participating in the state-run Democratic Presidential Primary on January 29, 2008, despite the penalties from the Democratic National Committee. ....
Sincerely,
Congresswoman Karen L. Thurman
Chairwoman, Florida Democratic Party"

On 30 August 2007, Victor DiMaio filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court (Middle District of Florida) against the Democratic National Committee and the Florida Democratic Party (Case No. 07CV1552). The suit is in regard to sanctions applied by the DNC to the Florida 2008 National Convention Delegation. The Florida Democrats are beginning their delegate selection process before 5 February 2008 in violation of DNC rules. The DNC has indicated that unless Florida changes their process, they will forfeit their entire delegation.

On Saturday 25 August 2007, the Democratic National Committee Rules and Bylaws Committee determined that the Florida 2008 National Convention Delegate Selection process, which begins with a 29 January 2008 primary, violates party rules. The DNC RBL voted to strip the Florida Democratic Party of all its 210 delegates to the 2008 Democratic National Convention unless a new plan is adopted within the next 30 days. DNC rules forbid states from beginning their 2008 Delegate Selection Process before 5 February 2008, except for Iowa (14 January), Nevada (19 January), New Hampshire (22 January), and South Carolina (29 January).

A 15 September 2007 media report indicates that the Florida Democratic Party may void the 29 January 2008 primary results to avoid DNC sanctions.

CS/HB 537, signed by Florida Governor Governor Charlie Crist (Republican) on 21 May 2007, moves the Florida 2008 Presidential Primary from the second Tuesday in March (11 March 2008) to the last Tuesday in January (Tuesday 29 January 2008). Both the DNC and RNC have indicated that Florida will be sanctioned should they hold their primary before 5 February 2008.

On 5 August 2008, the Florida Democratic Party's Executive Committee requested that the Florida legislature move the state�s Presidential Primary from 29 January to 5 February 2008.; Georgia: HB487 moves Georgia's 2008 Presidential Primary from the first Tuesday in March (4 March 2008) to the first Tuesday in February (5 February 2008). The bill was introduced in the Georgia House on 20 February 2007, approved by the Georgia House of Representatives on 20 March 2007 by 154-11 vote, approved by the Georgia Senate on 20 April 2007, and signed by Governor Sonny Perdue on 29 May 2007.; Illinois: On 11 January 2007 Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (Democrat-Chicago) announced that he would like to assist Senator Obama's Presidential Campaign by moving Illinois' Presidential Preference Primary from 18 March to 5 February 2008. On 26 January 200, HB0426 was introduced. This bill would move the General Primary and Presidential Primary from the third Tuesday in March to the first Tuesday in February. HB 426 passed the Illinois House Elections & Campaign Committee on 6 March 2007, the Illinois House on 28 March 2007 and the Illinois Senate (48-10) on 15 May 2007. The bill was signed into law by Governor Rod R. Blagojevich on 20 June 2007. [Illinois Compiled Statues 10-5/2a-1.1]; Indiana: SB 0296, introduced 11 January 2007, would move the Presidential Primary from the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May (6 May 2008) to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March (4 March 2008). The state's General Primary would also be changed by this bill. This change in Primary date was never adopted.; Iowa Democrats: On Sunday 28 October 2007 the Iowa Democratic Party has decided to hold their Presidential Precinct Caucuses on Thursday 3 January 2008.
Iowa Democratic Party Announces New Caucus Date of January 3, 2008
Des Moines � After consultation with Chairman Dean of the Democratic National Committee, state Democratic party chairs, Governor Chet Culver and Senator Tom Harkin, the Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee tonight approved an amendment to the Iowa Delegate selection plan allowing the Iowa Democratic caucuses to take place on Thursday, January 3, 2008.
"This date maintains the important common-sense principle of beginning the delegate selection process in the same calendar year as the election for which we are selecting delegates," said Scott Brennan, Iowa Democratic Party State Chair. "But the overarching principle is to retain the importance of the caucuses. Holding the caucuses on the same day as the Republican Party of Iowa shows solidarity and unity in working to protect Iowa's First-in-the-Nation status, an important argument in the years to come."
The State Central Committee is the governing body of the Iowa Democratic Party. There are 43 voting members of the Committee. They were called to meet on Thursday, October 25 at 3pm, and following the party constitution, met tonight, three days later.
On Wednesday 24 October 2007 reports state that the Iowa Democratic Party Central Committee will meet on Sunday night, 28 October 2007, to vote on a plan to hold their Presidential Caucuses on 3 January 2008, the same day as the Republican Caucuses.; Iowa GOP: On Tuesday 16 October 2007, the The Republican Party of Iowa's State Central Committee has voted to hold its first-in-the-nation caucus on the evening of Thursday 3 January 2008.; Kansas: Kanas law allows for a primary on or before Tuesday 1 April 2008 (only if, by 1 November of the immediately preceding year, no "common date" shared with at least five other States holding presidential primaries or delegate selection caucuses or conventions has been adopted).

On 7 February 2007, SB 320 was introduced. This bill would allow the Secretary of State to select a Presidential Primary date "on which at least three other states will hold a presidential preference primary election ... or a caucus ... on or before the first Tuesday in April." Current Kansas law provides for a Presidential Primary on the first Tuesday in April. Reference: Kansas Legislature Bill Tracking Click here, type 320 into bill number. However, on 18 April 2007, the Kansas legislature removed the appropriations for a 2008 Presidential Primary. Media Article.; Louisiana: (Acts 2006, No 845, effective 1 January 2007, RS 18:1280.21 A.). The state's presidential preference primary has moved from the second Tuesday in March (11 March 2008) to the second Saturday in February (9 February 2008). If Mardi Gras falls on the second Tuesday of February, then the primary is held on the third Saturday in February.; Maryland: At the request of Democratic Governor Martin O'Malley, Democratic Speaker of the House Michael E. Busch introduced H.B. 1434 on 9 March 2007. The bill would move the state's Presidential Primary from the first Tuesday in March (4 March 2008) to the second Tuesday in February (12 February 2008). On 2 April 2007, the Maryland House passed HB 1434 (136-1) and the Senate passed SB 1025 (45-0). Governor O'Malley signed the bill on 24 April 2007. References: SENATE BILL 1025, HOUSE BILL 1434.; Massachusetts: SB 2414 moves the Massachusetts' Presidential primary from 4 March 2008 to 5 February 2008. The Massachusetts Senate passed (33-5) on 15 November and the Massachusetts House 135-17 on 20 November 2007. The bill was signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick on 26 November 2007.; Michigan: Wednesday 21 November 2007 - Michigan 15 January 2008 Presidential Primary Update. Michigan�s 15 January 2008 presidential primary will go forward under a decision (Grebner v. Michigan, SC docket No. 135274) issued today by a 4-3 majority of the Michigan Supreme Court. The court said the law served a predominantly public purpose and reversed lower court rulings that said provisions giving the two major parties exclusive access to primary voter lists was an unconstitutional appropriation of public property for private purposes.

Monday 19 November 2007 - Michigan 15 January 2008 Presidential Primary Update. The Michigan Attorney General�s office filed an appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court asking the court to overturn an Court of Appeals ruling that Michigan's 15 January 2008 primary law is unconstitutional. The case is Grebner v State, 281-814. State election officials want the court to rule by noon Wednesday 21 November 2007 so they can mail absentee ballots by 1 December 2007. The Michigan Supreme Court did not accept the case today. The state Legislature could also resolve the issue if they approve changes to the Presidential Primary election law. It is unlikely that the Legislature will meet this week.

Tuesday November 13, 2007 - Michigan 15 January 2008 Presidential Primary Update: The state Legislature canceled the 13 November 2007 tentatively scheduled session and will not meet until 20 November 2007. Hence, there will be no legislative activity to restore the state's Presidential primary until that date.

Attorney General Mike Cox's office filed an emergency appeal today with the state Court of Appeals asking it to issue a stay of the ruling that canceled the primary because a portion of the law was unconstitutional. Elections officials indicate they need an answer by the end of the week to meet election schedules.

Media reports state that if the primary is not restored by the courts or the Legislature, Republicans likely would begin their delegate selection process at a 26 January statewide convention and Democrats likely would call a state caucus in early February. Both the Michigan Republican and Democratic Parties have notified the Secretary of State notifying that they intend on using the 15 January 2008 primary for the purpose of allocating their delegates.

The 15 January 2008 Michigan primary law was struck down on Wednesday 7 November 2007 by Ingham County Circuit Judge William Collette. The court ruled the primary unconstitutional since it would have allowed lists of voters who took part in the primary to go only to the Democratic and Republican parties.

In his ruling, the judge said the state Legislature would have had to pass the bills with a 2/3 vote to allow the spending of public money to benefit a private interest, in this case, the political parties. The law didn't have 2/3 support. The Michigan Senate passed Senate Bill 0624 21-17 on 22 August 2007 and the Michigan House of Representatives passed SB 0624 67-34 on Thursday 30 August 2007.

On 8 November 2007 the Michigan Senate voted 26-9 on a bill to restore the primary in a way that could pass legal muster. However, a procedural motion to make the bill law before 1 March 2008 failed.

House Bill 5353 (2007) was introduced on 24 October 2007. This bill would repeal the 15 January 2008 Presidential Preference Primary.

On 4 September 2007, Governor Jennifer Granholm signed Senate Bill 0624, which moves the Michigan presidential primary to 15 January 2008.

The Michigan House of Representatives passed SB 0624 67-34 on Thursday 30 August 2007. The bill sets 15 January 2008 as the date for Michigan's Presidential Primary. The legislation now awaits approval from Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm who has previously stated that she supports the bill.

On 22 August 2007, the Michigan Senate amended and passed Senate Bill 0624 21-17. The amended bill indicates the primary is to be held on 15 January 2008.

17 August 2007 - Media reports and the Michigan GOP indicate that the Michigan Democratic and Republican Parties have agreed to move the state's Presidential primary to 15 January 2008 by legislation. References: MI GOP, MI GOP, msnbc.msn.com, detnews.com

As of 9 July 2007, there are two bills in the state Senate: One setting the Presidential Primary date for 5 February and the other for 29 January 2008.

Michigan law allows for a Tuesday 26 February 2008 primary. Michigan Democrats will not use an OPEN primary in 2008.

SB 0624 was introduced on 27 June 2007 to allow a 29 January 2008 Presidential Primary or at date set by the Chairpersons of a qualified party. A qualified party may cancel the primary if it is not needed. SB 0625, also introduced on 27 June, is simliar to 624 but has a default primary date of 5 February 2008. Both bills would have a closed primary (only party members would be allowed to participate). Both SB624 and SB625 passed the the Michigan Senate Campaigns & Elections Committee on 18 July 2007.; Minnesota: The Minnesota Senate passed SF 893 on 9 May 2007. This bill moves the date for the Presidential Caucuses from 4 March to 12 February 2008.; Montana: 2007 Montana Legislature HOUSE BILL NO. 797 This bill would amend Section 13-10-401, MCA to read "a presidential preference primary election must be held in either February or March on a date selected by the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall select the date for the election no later than September 15 in the year prior to the election". The bill was tabled by the Montana Senate State Administration Committee on 11 April 2007 and appears to be dead.

The Montana Legislature ended its 2007 Legislative Session 27 April 2007 without changing the date of the primary. There are no prospects of HB 797 being revived in special session.; Nebraska: On 16 January 2007 LB460 was introduced. This bill would replace the state's Presidential Primary with a caucus to be held on the second Saturday in February (9 February 2008). [Reference: Sec. 10 Section 32-709 on page 13 of LB460 Change provisions relating to presidential primary elections and political parties]; New Hampshire: On 21 November 2007, the New Hampshire Secretary of State announced that on Tuesday 8 January 2008, New Hampshire will hold its first in the nation presidential primary.

28 April 2006: HB 1125 authorizes the Secretary of State to change the date of the Presidential Primary to preserve the state's first in the nation status.

HB 272, introduced 4 January 2007 and signed by the Governor on 25 June 2007, authorizes the Secretary of State to choose a date for the New Hampshire Presidential Primary "7 days or more immediately preceding the date on which any other state shall hold a similar election". HB 272 passed the New Hampshire House on 27 March 2007 and the New Hampshire Senate on 31 May 2007.

The filing period for the upcoming New Hampshire Presidential Primary began on Monday 15 October 2007 at 8:00a EDT and ended on Friday 2 November 2007 at 5:00p EDT. The date of the Presidential Primary had not been determined at that time.; New Jersey: New Jersey law now allows for a Tuesday 5 February 2008 primary.

The New Jersey State Senate voted 36-1 on Thursday 23 June 2005 to move the New Jersey Presidential Primary up to the last Tuesday in February (26 February 2008). The General Assembly approved the measure on Monday 20 June 2005 and the Governor signed A30 into law on 7 July 2005. A30 (SB1297 / S2402).
On 5 December 2006 the New Jersey Senate voted 33-5 (S2193) to move the Presidential Primary to the first Tuesday in February, 5 February 2008. The bill was reported out of the New Jersey Assembly Committee on 26 February 2007. On 15 March S2193 passed the NJ Assembly by a vote of 57-20. Governor Corzine signed the bill into law on 1 April 2007.; New York: On 5 March 2007, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver announced he will introduce legislation to change New York State's presidential primary date from the first Tuesday in March (4 March 2008) to 5 February 2008.
Reference: http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/Press/20070305/.

A06430 was introduced on 7 March 2007, passed both houses of the New York State Legislature on 21 March 2007, and was sent to Governor Eliot Spitzer. http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/03/21/new-york-moving-to-feb-5-primary/.

Governor Spitzer signed the bill into law on 9 April 2007.; North Carolina: S168, filed 13 February 2007, would move the May Presidential Primary to the first Tuesday in February (5 February 2008). North Carolina held caucuses in 2004. Reference: North Carolina General Assembly, Session 2007, Senate Bill 168 "Presidential Primary in February". This change in Primary date was never adopted.; Ohio: On 13 July 2007, a bill to move the General and Presidential primaries from 4 March to 29 January 2008 was introducted in the state Senate.; Oklahoma: HB 1790 was amended on 7 February 2007 to change the Presidentail Primary date from the first Tuesday in February (5 February 2008) to the first Saturday in February (2 February 2008). BILL NO. 2095 would move the Presidential Preferential Primary to the last Tuesday in January (29 January 2008). Oklahoma Legislature Basic Search Form; Oregon: HB 2084, which would move the primary to 5 February 2008, was passed by the Oregon House Elections & Ethics Committee on 3 April 2007.
Since Oregon votes by mail, ORS 254.470 directs that out of state ballots be mailed beginning 29 days before the election (7 January 2008) and in-state ballots be mailed beginning 18 days before the election (18 January 2008).
Reference: HB 2084. "Sections 1a to 3 of this 2007 Act are added to and made a part of ORS chapter 254. SECTION 1a. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 254.056, for the calendar year 2008, a presidential primary election shall be held in this state on the first Tuesday in February."; Pennsylvania:
House Bill 289 would move the Presidential Primary from the fourth Tuesday of April (22 April 2008) to the second Tuesday of February (12 February 2008). The bill was introduced on 7 February 2007 and passed the House (117-85) on 10 July 2007.; Rhode Island: On 30 October 2007 the Rhode Island Legislature passed Senate Bill No.1152. This bill would move the state's presidential primary from 4 March to 5 February 2008. The House vote was 38-to-25. Governor Donald L. Carcieri vetoed the bill on 4 November 2007.
Legislative Status Report (Type 1152 into Bills then click the Enter button)
Governor Donald L. Carcieri Letter Explaining his reasons for vetoing the bill.

SB 740, introduced 15 February 2007, would move the 2008 Primary from 18 March to 5 February. The bill was passed by the state Senate on 3 May 2007. The RI Assembly closed session on Saturday 23 June 2007 without passing the bill.; South Carolina Republican Caucus: On 9 August 2007 South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Katon Dawson announces the First-in-the-South Republican Party Presidential Primary will be held in South Carolina on Saturday 19 January 2008.; South Carolina Democratic Primary: Tuesday 16 October 2007: The South Carolina Democrats have decided to ask the DNC to move their Party-run Primary to Saturday 26 January 2008, 3 days earlier than the original schedule. Reference from a party source.; South Dakota: HB 1272, which would move the Presidential Primary from the last Tuesday in June to the last Tuesday in January failed in the South Dakota House of Representatives on 7 and 8 February 2007.; Tennessee: Governor Phil Bredesen signed House Bill 2211 on 30 April 2007. The bill changes Section 2-13-205 of the Tennessee Code Annotated moving the Presidential Primary from the "second Tuesday in February" to the "first Tuesday in February". Reference HOUSE BILL NO. 2211.; Texas: The Texas House passed HB 2017 on 13 April 2007. Both HB 993 and HB 996 would move the Texas Presidential and General Primary from the first Tuesday March (4 March 2008) to the first Tuesday in February (5 February 2008). The bill passed the Senate State Affairs committee 6-3 on 8 May 2007. These bills died when the Texas Legislature adjourned in May 2007.; Utah: The 2006 General Session moved the Presidential Primary election from Friday next after first Monday in March to the first Tuesday in February (5 February 2008) [S.B. 60 Western States Presidential Primary. Signed 21 March 2006, effective 1 May 2006. Reference: Utah Code, Title 20A, Chapter 9, Section 802: 20A-9-802].; Washington: A 15 March 2007 media report indicates the state legislature may may cancel the state's 2008 May Presidential Primary because both the Republicans and Democrats select delegates by caucus.

On 23 March 2007 a committee met but was unable to agree on moving the primary date: Democrats proposed a 18 March primary which was rejected on a 4-5 vote and Republicans called for a 5 February primary which failed on a 5-4 vote. Media-- Political parties fail to choose primary date.

On 2 June 2007, the Washington Republican Party decided to use the 12 or 19 February 2008 state run Presidential Primary to nominate 51% of their delegates: Of the 40 delegates, 3 are automatic, 19 (51% of 37) are selected based on the results of the primary and 18 (49% of 37) are selected based on the results of the February Precinct caucuses. Party Link.

On 11 June 2007, the primary date was set for Tuesday 19 February 2008. Media Article.; West Virginia: The Republican Party is considering selecting their At-Large delegates in a Tuesday 5 February 2008 State Presidential Convention and their the District delegates in a Tuesday 13 May 2008 Presidential Primary.; Wyoming Republicans: On 29 August 2007, the Star Tribune reported that the Wyoming Republican Party will begin their 2008 National Convention Delegate Selection Process on Saturday 5 January 2008.

Reference Star Tribune 6 February 2007: Wyo GOP wants early 2008 presidential pick: "The Wyoming Republican Central Committee voted unanimously Saturday 3 February 2007 to have the party's presidential delegate selection next year on 'the same date as the New Hampshire Republican Primary, whenever that may be.'"
Commission on Presidential Debates announced 19 November 2007. Debates begin at 9p EDT and last 90 minutes.: Friday 26 September 2008: First Presidential Debate - Domestic Policy - University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi; Thursday 2 October 2008: Vice-Presidential Debate - Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri; Tuesday 7 October 2008: Second Presidential Debate - Town Hall Meeting - Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee; Wednesday 15 October 2008: Third Presidential Debate - Foreign Policy - Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York; The backup sites are Centre College in Danville, Kentucky and Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
45^th Democratic National Convention: Monday 25 August through Thursday 28 August 2008 (announced 4 November 2005)
Denver, Colorado (announced 11 January 2007)
The 2008 Democratic National Convention (official site)
Denver DNC 2008 (unofficial site)
39^th Republican National Convention: Monday 1 September through Thursday 4 September 2008 (announced 6 April 2006)
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota (announced 27 September 2006)
America's Independent Party National Convention: 20 August 2008 - On-line; The party nominated Alan Keyes for President. No nomination was made for Vice President.
Constitution Party National Convention: 23 to 26 April 2008 - Kansas City, Missouri; The party nominated Charles O. "Chuck" Baldwin of Florida for President and Darrell Castle of Tennessee for Vice President on 26 April 2008. Convention vote on the first ballot for President: Chuck Baldwin 383.8, Alan Keyes 125.7, Max Riekse 4.5, Daniel Imperato 1, Susan Ducey 1. Convention vote on the first ballot for Vice President: Darrell Castle 389, Scott Bradley 58, Don Grundmann 43.7, Mad Max Riekse 13.3, Susan Ducey 8. Presidential vote breakdown by state: Alabama: No delegates; Alaska: Keyes 3; Arizona: Baldwin 2; Arkansas: Baldwin 7; California: Baldwin 12.8, Keyes 51.2; Colorado: Baldwin 9, Keyes 3; Connecticut: Baldwin, 6 Keyes 2; Delaware: Baldwin 3; Florida: Baldwin 35, Imperato 1, Keyes 1; Georgia: Baldwin 5; Idaho: Baldwin 7.66, Keyes 3.33; Illinois: Baldwin 4, Keyes 4; Iowa: Baldwin 7, Keyes 2; Kansas: Baldwin 6, Ducey 1, Keyes 6; Kentucky: Baldwin 10, Keyes 4; Louisiana: Baldwin 9; Maine: Baldwin 4; Maryland: Keyes 2; Massachussetts: Baldwin, 3 Keyes 1; Michigan: Baldwin 19, Keyes 4.5, Riekse 4.5; Minnesota: Baldwin 12, Keyes 2; Mississippi: Baldwin 14; Missouri: Baldwin 5, Keyes 7; Montana: No delegates; Nebraska: Baldwin 5; Nevada: Baldwin 10; New Jersey: Baldwin 22, Keyes 1; New Mexico: Baldwin 9; New York: Baldwin 1, Keyes 1; North Carolina: Baldwin 3; North Dakota: no delegates; Ohio: Baldwin 16, Keyes 5; Oklahoma: Baldwin 4, Keyes 5; Oregon: Baldwin 3; Pennsylvania: Baldwin 17.3, Keyes 14.7; Rhode Island: no delegates; South Carolina: Baldwin 15; South Dakota: Baldwin 8; Tennessee: Baldwin 15, Keyes 3; Texas: Baldwin 9; Utah: Baldwin 15; Virginia: Baldwin 22; Washington: Baldwin 17; West Virginia: no delegates; Wisconsin: Baldwin 12; Wyoming: no delegates.; For petitioning, the stand-in Presidential candidate is Jim Clymer and the stand-in Vice-Presidential candidate is Chuck Baldwin.
Green Party National Convention: 10 to 13 July 2008 - Chicago, Illinois (announced 28 August 2007).; The party nominated Cynthia McKinney of Georgia for President and Rosa Clemente of New York for Vice President on Saturday 12 July 2008.
Libertarian Party National Convention: 23 to 26 May 2008 - Adam's Mark Hotel, Denver, Colorado (announced 16 December 2006); The party nominated Bob Barr of Georgia for President and Wayne Allyn Root of Nevada for Vice President on 25 May 2008.
Prohibition Party National Convention: 13 to 14 September 2007 (anti Earl Dodge faction, Gene Amondson, National Chair) - Adams Mark Hotel; 2544 Executive Drive; Indianapolis, Indiana 46241. The party re-nominated their 2004 nominees: Gene Amondson for President and Leroy Pletten for Vice President.
11 to 12 June 2007 (pro Earl Dodge faction) - Denver, Colorado. The party nominated Earl Dodge for president and Howard Lydick for vice-president. Earl F. Dodge died suddenly 7 November 2007 at the age of 74. A message posted on his website states: "Earl was dropped off at the airport 8 AM yesterday morning, November 7, 2007, to take a flight to the Button Show in Pennsylvania. Somewhere between that time and 8:30 AM he dropped dead possibly of a massive coronary, but we will not know for sure for about 7 weeks." Circa 1 March 2008 the faction of the party led by the late Earl Dodge nominated Gene Amondson for President.
Reform Party USA National Convention: 29 to 30 December 2007 - Sacremento, California.; 18 to 20 July 2008 - Dallas, Texas. The party nominated Ted Weill of Tylertown, Mississippi for President and Frank Edward McEnulty of Long Beach, California for Vice President. The reported Presidential vote was Ted Weill, 25 to Frank Edward McEnulty, 3. Mr. McEnulty won the Vice Presidential nomiation by acclamation.
The Socialist Equality Party: The party nominated Jerome White of Michigan for President and Bill Van Auken of New York for Vice President on 13 September 2008.
The Socialist Party National Convention: 19 to 21 October 2007 - St. Louis, Missouri.; The party nominated Brian P. Moore of Florida for President and Stewart A. Alexander of California for Vice President on 20 October 2007. The vote was Brian Moore, 25 votes; Eric Chester of Massachusetts, 20 votes.
The Socialist Workers Party: The party's nominees for President, Roger Calero of New York, and Vice President, Alyson Kennedy of New Jersey, were announced 14 January 2008 by the party's newspaper "The Militant".; Mr. Calero, having been born in Nicaragua, does not meet the Constitutional requirements for President.
The United Citizens Party of South Carolina: The Party nominated Barack Obama for President at their convention on 29 March 2008.
Unity Party of America National Convention: 22 to 23 August 2008 - Boulder, Colorado; Delegates will be elected by mail-in ballots from each state's party members. All ballots must be received at headquarters by 11:59 pm local time Monday 30 June 2008. The number of Unity Party 2008 convention delegates mirrors the number of Electoral College votes assigned to the state: Alabama: 9 delegates, Alaska: 3 delegates, Arizona: 10 delegates, Arkansas: 6 delegates, California: 55 delegates, Colorado: 9 delegates, Connecticut: 7 delegates, Delaware: 3 delegates, D.C.: 3 delegates, Florida: 27 delegates, Georgia: 15 delegates, Hawaii: 4 delegates, Idaho: 4 delegates, Illinois: 21 delegates, Indiana: 11 delegates, Iowa: 7 delegates, Kansas: 6 delegates, Kentucky: 8 delegates, Louisiana: 9 delegates, Maine: 4 delegates, Maryland: 10 delegates, Massachusetts: 12 delegates, Michigan: 17 delegates, Minnesota: 10 delegates, Mississippi: 6 delegates, Missouri: 11 delegates, Montana: 3 delegates, Nebraska: 5 delegates, Nevada: 5 delegates, New Hampshire: 4 delegates, New Jersey: 15 delegates, New Mexico: 5 delegates, New York: 31 delegates, North Carolina: 15 delegates, North Dakota: 3 delegates, Ohio: 20 delegates, Oklahoma: 7 delegates, Oregon: 7 delegates, Pennsylvania: 21 delegates, Rhode Island: 4 delegates, South Carolina: 8 delegates, South Dakota: 3 delegates, Tennessee: 11 delegates, Texas: 34 delegates, Utah: 5 delegates, Vermont: 3 delegates, Virginia: 13 delegates, Washington: 11 delegates, West Virginia: 5 delegates, Wisconsin: 10 delegates, Wyoming: 3 delegates. National Total: 538 Delegates.
Unity08.com National Convention: June 2008; On 10 January 2008 Unity08 announced that it is giving up on its goal of creating a nationwide ballot qualified party and will dissolve itself.
WHY ARE THEY ALL HERE, ANYWAY?: An historical analysis of the apportionment of delegate votes at the National Conventions of the two major parties.
Historical Analysis of the Presidential Nominating Process
Glossary: Presidential Primary Types include the Delegate Selection Primary, Advisory Primary, Winner-Take-All Primary, Proportional Primary, Democratic National Convention Proportional Primary Threshold Rules, Bonus Primary, Loophole Primary, and Caucus/Convention.; Voter Eligibility for the Closed, Open, and Modified Open Primary or Caucus.
Major Third Parties - Presidential Nominating Process: Green Party; Libertarian Party
Straw Polls