Why don't we vote on Super Tuesday instead of waiting until May when the candidates are already decided?

by Kirk Mason (mason@wsbt.com)

Tools

dyngus day and the Indiana primary

This week, Indiana Congressman Joe Donnelly wondered if this year maybe that could happen. Based on Super Tuesday results, at least for democrats, it now seems plausible the May primary could matter.

By Tiffany Griffin

Story Created: Feb 6, 2008 at 2:10 PM EST

Story Updated: Jul 23, 2008 at 12:02 PM EST

Indiana's Presidential primary day is still months away, but John Poindexter of Knox wants to know, "Why don't we vote on Super Tuesday instead of waiting until May when the candidates are already decided?"

As WSBT's Kirk Mason found out, some want a change, but May could turn out to mean something this year.

This week, Indiana Congressman Joe Donnelly wondered if this year maybe that could happen. Based on Super Tuesday results, at least for Democrats, it now seems plausible the May primary could matter.

“I would say at least remotely possible which is pretty good because it's been a long time since really the Indiana primary has meant anything at all,” said Sean Savage, Saint Mary’s College professor.

Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita oversees state elections and he's also president of the National Association of Secretaries of States.

Rokita says for ten years the organization has supported moving to a rotating primary system. States would rotate every four years, instead of Iowa and New Hampshire leading off every four years.

“The search for perfection in this issue might be a little bit elusive, but what this does is bring order, bring fairness,” said Rokita.

Rokita says both the Republican and Democratic national parties are showing more interest in a new system since Michigan and Florida broke party rules to move up their primaries. But there is a major catch — Rokita says all 50 state legislatures would have to pass a plan.

“The states would all come together and agree that we will get rid of the gold rush mentality that we seem to have," he said.

But you just have to wonder if Iowa and New Hampshire would vote for that.

It's not unheard of for a presidential candidate to come to South Bend on Dyngus Day.

Bobby Kennedy was here in 1968.

For more information on which states are coming up next for primaries and caucuses, click on the links in the Related Content box.

More Good Stuff

WSBT Weather

icon
Current Temp 55.2
°
More Weather

On Demand

More On Demand

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.00
Paid Programming
7.30
Jeopardy
8.00
The Mentalist
9.00
48 Hours Mystery
10.00
48 Hours Mystery
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
CSI: NY
12.35
CSI: NY
1.35
CSI: Miami

Question of The Day

Will the new health recommendations for women change your health screening habits?

E-mail your comments. We'll pick some to read during WSBT News at 5.

  • YES
  • NO
Today's Mortgage Rates