CQ Politics explores some of the history and mystery of the nation’s traditionally earliest primary.
1. When did New Hampshire start scheduling its presidential primary as first in the nation?
2. But two states scheduled events in the presidential nominating process before the New Hampshire primary: Iowa’s precinct caucuses for both parties, held Jan. 3, and Wyoming’s Republican Party county conventions, held Jan. 5. Why didn’t
put New Hampshire’s primary before their contests?
3. Why do New Hampshire’s defenders think the state should get dibs on the nation’s first primary?
4. So what is the electorate like in New Hampshire? Is it representative of the country as a whole?
5. What is the political makeup of New Hampshire voters?
6. Is the New Hampshire primary a strong indicator of who will win the presidency?
GEORGE W. BUSH (R)
BILL CLINTON (D)
GEORGE H.W. BUSH (R)
RONALD REAGAN (R)
RONALD REAGAN (R)
JIMMY CARTER (D)
RICHARD M. NIXON (R)
RICHARD M. NIXON (R)
LYNDON B. JOHNSON (D)
JOHN F. KENNEDY (D)
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (R)
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (R)
7. What are some historic New Hampshire primary moments?
8. I always see the town of Dixville Notch in the news on primary night. What happens there?