Primaries and caucuses how they work.This much is certain: Come November 2, Republican George W. Bush will seek a second term as President. No one knows yet whom the Democrats will choose to run against him. But you can bet that person is campaigning right now in Iowa or New Hampshire New Hampshire, one of the New England states of the NE United States. It is bordered by Massachusetts (S), Vermont, with the Connecticut R. forming the boundary (W), the Canadian province of Quebec (NW), and Maine and a short strip of the Atlantic Ocean (E). . Those are the first states to hold primary elections and caucuses in 2004. You might find Howard Dean Howard Brush Dean III (born November 17, 1948) is an American politician and physician from the U.S. state of Vermont, and currently the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, the central organ of the Democratic Party at the national level. trying to rally a crowd in a school gymnasium, or John Kerry  Editing of this page by unregistered or newly registered users is currently disabled due to vandalism. shaking hands in a church basement. You might
even see Joe Lieberman Joseph Isadore "Joe" Lieberman (born February 24, 1942) is an American politician from Connecticut. Lieberman was first elected to the United States Senate in 1988, and was elected to his fourth term on November 7, 2006. In the 2000 U.S. addressing supporters in someone's living
room. And at any given moment, Carol Moseley Braun Carol Elizabeth Moseley Braun (born August 16, 1947) is an American politician and lawyer who represented Illinois in the United States Senate from 1993 to 1999. She was the first, and to date, the only, African American woman elected to the United States Senate. , Al Sharpton Alfred Charles "Al" Sharpton Jr. (born October 3, 1954) is an American Baptist minister and political, civil rights, and social justice activist.[1][2] In 2004, Sharpton was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the U. S. presidential election. , Wesley
Clark (person) Wesley Clark - One of the designers of the Laboratory Instrument Computer at MIT who subsequently had a quiet hand in many seminal computing events, such as the development of the Internet, the first really good description of the metastability problem in computer logic. , Dick Gephardt, Dennis Kucinich  This article or section contains information about one or more candidates in an upcoming or ongoing election.Content may change as the election approaches. , or John Edwards This article or section contains information about one or more candidates in an upcoming or ongoing election.Content may change as the election approaches. could be at a factory or in a diner, trying to win the hearts and minds of voters. The time has come once again for voters to choose their Favorite candidate for President. Voters will make their choices in caucuses (party meetings) or primary elections. Because Iowa has the first caucuses, on January 19, and New Hampshire the first primary election, on January 27, those states are where the action is right now. Technically, voters in each state will be selecting delegates (representatives) to the Democratic National Convention, which will be held this July in Boston, Massachusetts “Boston” redirects here. For other uses, see Boston (disambiguation). Boston is the capital and most populous city of Massachusetts.[3] The largest city in New England, Boston is considered the unofficial economic and cultural center of the entire New . Most delegates will arrive at the convention pledged (promised) to a specific candidate. Simply put, the candidate who gets the backing of 2,162 delegates will win the nomination, or the party's official selection. After New Hampshire, some or most of the Democratic candidates will be forced to drop out. Each round of primaries through the spring will eliminate more contenders--until there is only one candidate left standing. What Is a Primary? A presidential-preference primary is conducted like a general election: A voter goes to a polling place to cast a secret ballot secret ballot n. 1. A type of voting in which each person's vote is kept secret, but the amassed votes of various groups are revealed publicly. 2. See Australian ballot. Noun 1. for a candidate. Most states have closed primaries, meaning only registered Democrats can vote for Democrats and Republicans for Republicans. But some states have open primaries, in which a registered voter can vote in either party's election--but not both. This year is an unusual one for the Republicans: There is no contest for their party's nomination. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. the Republican National Committee, most states will not have Republican primary elections or caucuses. In August, the party will meet in New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. to declare President Bush their nominee. For the Democrats, the stakes are high. As of mid-December, most polls had former Vermont Governor Howard Dean leading Massachusetts Senator John Kerry by a large margin in New Hampshire. Experts say that a loss for Kerry there could be devastating dev·as·tate tr.v. dev·as·tat·ed, dev·as·tat·ing, dev·as·tates 1. To lay waste; destroy. 2. To overwhelm; confound; stun: was devastated by the rude remark. to his campaign. The fare of Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman's campaign may also rely on a strong showing in New Hampshire. What Is a Caucus? While most primaries are run by the states and open to all registered voters, caucuses are meetings run by the parties for party members. A caucus can be held just about anywhere, in a public facility or even a private home. On the evening of January 19, Democrats in Iowa will gather in their local election precincts to cast ballots. Party officials will total the precinct votes to calculate how many delegates each candidate will receive. Republicans in Iowa also will meet on January 19 to conduct party business. But because President Bush has no challengers, the party will not hold a presidential-preference vote. Polls in December showed Howard Dean and Missouri Representative Dick Gephardt running a close race in Iowa. Senator Lieberman and General Clark General Clark may refer to either of two United States Generals: Mark Wayne Clark (1896-1984) Wesley Clark (born 1944) decided not to campaign there. And the Winner Is? After New Hampshire, primary season will be well underway. On February 3, seven states will hold primaries or caucuses and choose 269 delegates. Other contests will follow, climaxing with Super Tuesday “Super Tuesday” redirects here. For ESPN program, see Super Tuesday (TV series). In the United States, Super Tuesday commonly refers to a Tuesday in early March of a presidential election year. on March 2, when 10 states will choose 1,151 delegates (see map, p. 11). By the time of the Texas primary on March 9, we may know who the Democratic candidate will be. Many experts have predicted that Howard Dean, the front-runner in December, will gather an unstoppable momentum through the early primaries and win all the delegates he needs. But until the votes are actually cast, anything could happen. No one knows, for instance, how the capture of Saddam Hussein Saddam Hussein (born April 28, 1937, Tikrit, Iraq—died Dec. 30, 2006, Baghdad) President of Iraq (1979–2003). He joined the Ba'th Party in 1957. Following participation in a failed attempt to assassinate Iraqi Pres. will affect Dean's campaign. He opposed going to war with Iraq. The only thing that is certain is that on the first Tuesday First Tuesday is a networking forum for technology entrepreneurs, companies seeking venture capital, investors and related service providers. Founded in 1998, First Tuesday now has 38,000 members and the 10 branches across Europe host meetings on the first Tuesday every month. in November, voters will elect the next U.S. President. Primary Box * primary an election held to determine the candidate of a party in a general election. * caucus a meeting of political-party members to choose their candidate.
Your Turn
WORD MATCH
1. delegates A. official selection
2. nomination B. promised
3. precinct C. party members
only
4. closed D. representatives
primary
5. pledged E. electoral district
THINK ABOUT IT
How could events in the news
suddenly change the momentum
of the primaries?
Meet the Candidates President Bush and the Democrats who want his job [check] Vote online for your presidential favorite at www.scholastic.com/primaryvote George W. Bush Politics is in President Bush's blood: His grandfather, Prescott Bush Prescott Sheldon Bush (May 15, 1895 – October 8, 1972) was a United States Senator from Connecticut and a Wall Street executive banker with Brown Brothers Harriman. He was the father of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush and the grandfather of current President George W. , was a U.S. Senator, and his father, George H. W. Bush Editing of this page by unregistered or newly registered users is currently disabled due to vandalism. ,
was the 41st U.S. President (1989-1993). Bush earned a Masters in
Business Administration from Harvard in 1975, and was a part owner (Law) one of several owners or tenants in common. See See also: Part of the Texas Rangers Texas Rangers, mounted fighting force organized (1835) during the Texas Revolution. During the republic they became established as the guardians of the Texas frontier, particularly against Native Americans. baseball team. Born: July 6, 1946. Hometown: Midland, Texas Midland is the county seat of Midland CountyGR6 located on the Southern Plains of the western area of the U.S. State of Texas. As of the 2006 U.S. Census estimate, the city had a total population of 102,073. . Current job: U.S. President. Career: Businessman, Texas Governor. Key issues: Continue the fight against terrorism and keep the economy growing. Web site: www.georgewbush.com Carol Moseley Braun Braun was born in Chicago, Illinois. Her parents encouraged her to pursue excellence and follow her dreams. In 1992, she became the first African-American woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate. President Clinton later appointed her as Ambassador to New Zealand New Zealand (zē`lənd), island country (2005 est. pop. 4,035,000), 104,454 sq mi (270,534 sq km), in the S Pacific Ocean, over 1,000 mi (1,600 km) SE of Australia. The capital is Wellington; the largest city and leading port is Auckland. and Samoa. Born: August 16, 1947. Hometown: Chicago, Illinois. Current job: College professor, business consultant. Career: Lawyer, Illinois legislator, U.S. Senator. Key issues: Quality education, "a living wage," and more rights for women and the disabled. Web site: www.carolforpresident.com Wesley K. Clark First in his class at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Clark earned a Master's Degree master's degree n. An academic degree conferred by a college or university upon those who complete at least one year of prescribed study beyond the bachelor's degree. Noun 1. in philosophy, politics, and economics Philosophy, Politics and Economics (often abbreviated to PPE but known as social studies at Harvard) is a popular interdisciplinary degree which combines study from the three disciplines. from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. As NATO Commander, he was instrumental in driving the Yugoslav armies out of Kosovo. Born: December 23, 1944. Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas Little Rock, Arkansas required military intervention to desegregate schools (1957–1958). [Am. Hist.: Van Doren, 556–557] See : Bigotry . Current job: Presidential candidate. Career: Four-star General, NATO Commander. Key issues: Create jobs, lift 2 million children out of poverty, and encourage a "new American patriotism." Web site: www.americansforclark.com John Edwards The son of a mill worker, Edwards emphasizes his blue-collar roots and speaks of making life better for "the people that I grew up with." During a 20-year career as a trial lawyer, he won huge settlements for families against large corporations. Born: June 10, 1953. Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina For other uses of this name, see Raleigh. Raleigh (IPA: /ˈrɑli/, ral-ee) is the capital of the State of North Carolina and the county seat of Wake County. . Current job: U.S. Senator. Career: Lawyer, U.S. Senator. Key issues: Help the states, cut the size of government, and "protect workers." Web site: www.johnedwards2004.com Howard Dean A five-term Governor of Vermont The Governor of Vermont is the executive magistrate of the U.S. state of Vermont. The governor is elected biennialy in even numbered years by direct voting for a term of two years. Vermont is one of only two U.S. , Dean has become the surprise Democratic front-runner. The 1974 murder of his brother by Communists in Laos was a major turning point in Dean's life. Dean speaks for many Democrats who are angry about the war in Iraq and Bush's policies. Born: November 17, 1948. Hometown: Burlington, Vermont. Current job: Presidential candidate. Career: Physician, Vermont Governor. Key issues: More-affordable health care and higher education, and "a new social contract for working families." Web site: www.deanforamerica.com Richard Gephardt A longtime leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, this Midwesterner is a big supporter of labor unions. His father was a milk-truck driver and member of the Teamsters Union. The near death of Gephardt's son from cancer gave him a mission to provide health care for all. Born: January 31, 1941. Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri. Current job: U.S. Representative. Career: Lawyer, U.S. Representative. Key issues: Provide more jobs, better schools, and an international minimum wage. Web site: www.dickgephardt2004.com John F. Kerry A decorated Vietnam veteran, Kerry first made his name by opposing the Vietnam War Vietnam War, conflict in Southeast Asia, primarily fought in South Vietnam between government forces aided by the United States and guerrilla forces aided by North Vietnam. after his return home. Kerry was inspired to enter public service by the New Frontier program of President John E Kennedy (1961-1963). Born: December 11, 1943. Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts. Current job: U.S. Senator. Career: Prosecutor, U.S. Senator. Key issues: College tuition for national service, renewable energy, and health care for all children. Web site: www.johnkerry.com Joseph I. Lieberman Lieberman supported the Iraq war and believes in a strong military. He is also an idealist who joined the civil rights movement and registered black voters in Mississippi in 1963. As Connecticut's attorney general, he defended the environment and consumers. Born: February 24, 1942. Hometown: Stamford, Connecticut. Current job: U.S. Senator. Career: Connecticut attorney general, U.S. Senator. Key issues: Rebuild the economy, mend America's strained alliances, and "revive the American dream," Web site: joe2004.com Dennis J. Kucinich Kucinich opposed the war in Iraq and the Bush tax cuts. In 1978, while mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, he was criticized for refusing to sell the city's electric system to raise needed funds. Later, his election posters featured a lightbulb and the slogan "Because He Was Right." Born: October 8, 1946. Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio. Current job: U.S. Representative. Career: Cleveland mayor, U.S. Representative. Key issues: Repeal NAFTA NAFTA in full North American Free Trade Agreement Trade pact signed by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico in 1992, which took effect in 1994. Inspired by the success of the European Community in reducing trade barriers among its members, NAFTA created the world's , restore family farms, and guarantee education and health care for all Americans. Web site: www.kucinich.us Al Sharpton Ordained or·dain tr.v. or·dained, or·dain·ing, or·dains 1. a. To invest with ministerial or priestly authority; confer holy orders on. b. To authorize as a rabbi. 2. as a minister at the age of 10, Sharpton has been a controversial figure in civil rights politics. He has been jailed for taking part in protests and was even stabbed by an angry white bystander by·stand·er n. A person who is present at an event without participating in it. bystander Noun a person present but not involved; onlooker; spectator Noun 1. during a march. Sharpton wants to encourage more voter registration. Born: October 3, 1954. Hometown: Brooklyn, New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of . Current job: Presidential candidate. Career: Baptist minister, activist. Key issues: Health care for all Americans, economic justice at home and abroad, and more voter participation. Web site: www.sharpton2004.org When will voters in your state choose Democratic candidates for President? President George W. Bush is running unopposed for the Republican nomination. But nine Democrats are competing for the chance to run against him in November. Who will the Democrats choose as their nominee? Iowa holds the nation's first Democratic caucuses on January 19. New Hampshire follows eight days later with the first primary election. Caucuses and primary elections have the same purpose: to determine a party's candidate in a general election. Supporters of each candidate are elected as delegates to the party's national convention. Almost always, the candidate with the most convention delegates becomes that party's nominee for President. When will caucuses or primary elections take place in your state? Study the map, and answer the questions below. 1. Iowa holds the nation's first caucuses on January 19. How many Democratic Party convention delegates will Iowa choose? 2. The New Hampshire Democratic primary election will take place on what date? 3. Ten states will hold primaries and caucuses on the same March date, known as Super Tuesday. What is that date? 4. Which state elects the largest number of Democratic Party delegates? Why is this so? 5. When do Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida hold primary elections? 6. When will primary elections be held in California and New York? 7. Which state will choose 186 delegates an March 16? 8. Which two states are the last to hold primary elections? What Is that date? 9. When and where will the Democratic convention be held? 10. When and where will the Republican convention be held? LESSON PLANS OBJECTIVES Students should understand * How candidates for the Republican and Democratic presidential nominations campaign for votes in state political contests called primaries and caucuses. TEACHING STRATEGY Conduct a classroom discussion on what political, professional, and personal qualities a candidate for President should have. BACKGROUND Some critics complain that candidates and the media pay too much attention to Iowa, a relatively small state that does not represent the diversity of the nation as a whole. Supporters argue that campaigning in Iowa allows closer contact between candidates and voters. THINKING SKILLS CAUSE AND EFFECT: How do the Iowa and New Hampshire political contests affect a presidential candidate's campaign? (A victory or strong showing in Iowa or New Hampshire can lead to broader political support and greater media attention, and generate the momentum needed to carry a candidate through the election season. A poor showing can weaken or end a candidate's campaign.) MAKING INFERENCES: Why will most states not hold Republican Party primaries or caucuses this year? (Because no other Republicans are challenging President Bush for the nomination, states see no reason to schedule costly elections. In effect, President Bush is assured of winning nomination as the 2004 Republican presidential candidate.) ACTIVITY CLASSROOM CONVENTION: Divide the class into small groups. Ask groups to create a list of the most important political and economic issues affecting their community. Then instruct groups to research which presidential candidate they feel would best serve their community's interests. STANDARDS SOCIAL STUDIES, GRADES 5-8 * Power, authority, and governance: How the primaries and caucuses allow voters to pick a nominee to run for President in the general election. * Individuals, groups, and institutions: Profiles of the 2004 presidential candidates and the experiences and qualifications of each. RESOURCES * Campbell, James, The American Campaign (Texas A&M University Press, 2000). Grade 8. * Sobel, Syl, Presidential Elections and Other Cool Facts (Barron's, 2001). Grades 5-8. WEB SITES * U.S. Presidential History www.americanpresident.org * Presidential Campaign Advertisements www..ammi.org/livingroomcandidate ANSWER Word Match 1. D 2. A 3. E 4. C 5. B ANSWER GeoSkills 1. 56 2. January 27 3. March 2 4. California; it has the largest population 5. March 9 6. March 2 7. Illinois 8. Montana and New Jersey; June 8 9. Boston, 7/26-7/30 10. New York, 8/30-9/2 |
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