“Allowing a few small states to “go first” gives an opportunity for less well-funded candidates to be heard. Do we really want a system where a candidate needs $20 million dollars before the first primary vote is cast? Talk about a GOP-E wet dream!”
Good point, and I can agree to that as long as the “go first” states are rotated, particularly to ones that are more conservative.
“Iowa is allowed to have early caucuses precisely because they are not binding.”
That may well be; I was not aware of it.
“I assume every state has caucuses. How else do precincts select chairs and start building platform planks? Can’t do that with a primary.”
If that is true it’s news to me. I thought that the caucus states were in the distinct minority.
“Caucus costs are paid for by political parties. Primaries put taxpayers on the hook”
Good point.
A rotating early straw poll is a good idea. Non-binding, but instructive and fun.
Limiting it to the state with the highest percentage of Republican votes means going to Utah instead of Iowa every four years, inviting the same complaints.