[EL] ELB News and Commentary 1/25/12

[Paul Gronke]

Two cups of coffee are making me argumentative ...

> Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off
> “How Far Will $5 Million Go for Gingrich in Florida?”
> 
> Posted on January 24, 2012 8:33 am by Rick Hasen
> Not very. And this is the best argument to start the primary/caucus process with small population states (not necessarily the same small states each election, but small rather than big, so that fundraising does not dominate the process).
> 

Why do we think the kinds of candidates or campaigns that are successful in small states are the same that translate into general election success or superior executive leaders? 

Isn't it possible that a candidate who can successfully raise funds to compete in large states, or nationally, and appeal to a broader, more heterogeneous electorate is the kind who could win in November and lead in January?  

Admittedly, these calculations may all change in the wake of Citizen's United, but that means the problem is a campaign finance system that allows one or a small number of donors to personally affect a presidential election.  Even if that is the concern, it's not clear why small state primaries and caucuses would not be MORE prone to this problem, not less prone.

Definitely endorse a rotation system however ...

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Paul Gronke	Ph:   503-517-7393
                        Fax: 503-661-0601

Professor, Reed College
Director, Early Voting Information Center
3203 SE Woodstock Blvd
Portland OR 97202