Path to Presidency

Paths “Invisible Primary”: unofficial campaign done by unofficial candidate Declaration of Candidacy Nomination Phase Fall Campaign Election Day Meeting of Electors Formal Election Inauguration day

Nomination Phase Some states use conventions method of sending delegates to national convention –Local Caucuses-----district convention----state convention----- national convention. Each level selects delegates to attend higher level –Importance of Iowa: 1 st state to hold caucuses each presidential election year----chance for candidate to build momentum for succeeding caucuses and primaries

Nomination (Cont’d) Other states use presidential primaries as method of sending delegates to national convention. Increased use of primaries in last 30 yrs. –“beauty contest primary”: voters vote for candidates/delegates to attend convention either on proportional basis (democrats) or winner-take-all basis (republican) –Delegate selection primary: voters vote for delegates to convention –Combination of above –Importance of New Hampshire: 1 st state to hold primary each election yr.—chance for candidate to build momentum –“Front loading” trend: primaries are held earlier and earlier. Idea of “Super Tuesday.”(23 states) More and more states moving up their primary dates (MI, FLA in 2008)

Types of Primary Elections Closed – Only registered party members can vote for partisan offices, no crossing of party lines (Used in most states, OR., NY, FL.) Open – Independents may vote, crossing party lines allowed (danger of damaging or “raiding” political parties; ID, TX, MO.) Blanket – (“free love”): Independents may vote, voter can “mix and match” their votes (ie. Vote for candidates of different parties for different offices. Damage to political parties. Used in CA and WA and Alaska, but overturned by Supreme Court)

Nomination (Cont’d) National Convention –Selection of presidential nominee: Formality (winner is known)--- emphasis on image and ratification (not nomination) –Selection of V.P. Nominee Chosen by Presidential nominee “Balancing the ticket” -Development of Party Platform -Reconciliation and unification of party by end of convention

Nomination (Cont’d) Analysis of Presidential Nominating System Pro –Highly participatory: Caucuses, primaries, conventions –Highly representative –Testing ground for candidates. Weeds out weak candidates Con –Low rate of turnout –Too Lengthy –Does not test candidates qualities needed for president (emphasis on media game) –Front loading affects states with late primaries –Voters in primary tend to be more affluent than those in general –Delegates at caucus/conventions are more ideological, activist, educated, wealthy, and less moderate (unrepresentative) “Selectorate, not electorate”