The Democratic Primary process is now part of the problem.

A simple proposal for the Democratic Presidential primaries: treat them like the Olympics.

I'll explain: Iowa and New Hampshire going first is a custom that must end for Democrats. It still makes some sense for the GOP since Iowa, New Hampshire and the GOP have - essentially - the same demographic breakdown. The Democratic party does a disservice to its own core constituencies by allowing overwhelmingly white and rural voters define front runners and dole out "momentum". As is stands now what this has done for years is force Democratic candidates to go to California and New York - two blue states - to beg for money. The money is then spent in Iowa and New Hampshire. In the case of California - the primary had become a pointless election crammed into an endless series of special elections, off year elections, and recalls.

New Hampshire has no God given right to "first in the nation primary" status. If fact, candidates did not stand for election in this primary until 1952. And N.H. did not pass a state law ensuring it would always be first until 1977 - which means 1980 was the first time that NH legally bound itself to be first. The Iowa caucus has an even shorter pedigree. Jimmy Carter finished second to "uncommitted" in 1976 and some how turned that into a victory and momentum.

Because New Hampshire has become so prissy about being first - the entire system is now a mess. Who can blame California and Florida for wanting to be an influential part of the process? They have finally done something about it - moving up their primaries to early February and late January. In 2008, 25 - 30 states will have voted by FEBRUARY 6Th. What does this mean? It could mean a free for all. But it probably means that we will know the nominee in both parties by the morning of February 6th. The general election is in November. We will have an 8 month general election. That's what it means.
A simply solution: every four years another section of the country gets to go first. AND NO STATE OR REGION SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO HOLD A PRIMARY BEFORE MAY. So in 2012 New England hold its region wide primary first. In 2016 The Pacific Coast, Alaska and Hawaii go first - and onward through the years and the regions. The other regional primaries follow every 2 weeks. The primaries finish up in July - the conventions in August.
The absurdity of New Hampshire getting to go first no matter what and an endless general election mean something has got to give. Imagine a year of Mitt Romney BEFORE the general election. God forbid.