The Nominating Process and Presidential Primaries

1. The Nominating Process and Presidential Primaries “Voting and Elections in the United States”

2. * How does an individual get from here… … to here * * The nominating process narrows the field of possible candidates for public office! *

3. Why is “narrowing the field” important? Example: $1,000

4. Step One: Self-Announcement * The potential candidate will form a Presidential Exploratory Committee to see if there is public support for running for the Presidency (MONEYis crucial to the process) Mitt Romney announces 2012 presidential exploratory committee * Self-announcementis the first step in the process – usually happens after the previous midterm elections are held *

5. Step Two: The Primaries (and Caucuses) * Primaries are run (and paid for) by stateand localgovernments (ARE elections) * * Caucusesare private events run by the political parties themselves (are NOT elections – more like meetings)! ** This part of the process begins in January the year of a Presidential election – candidates are fighting for DELEGATES who will go to the National Convention and vote for their candidate! ** * Democrats also use SUPER-DELEGATESwho go to the National Convention unpledged and can cast their vote for whoever they please!

6. The Caucus System * Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, North Dakota, Wyoming and Iowa * * American Samoa, Guam and the Virgin Islands The Primary System * Primary Electionsare elections held within the party to choose the candidate who will oppose the other party’s candidate * * A direct primary is an indirect election!

7. As each state holds their primary or caucus, delegates are awarded to the competitors in relation to how they finish…

8. Types of Primaries * Closed primaries– voters cannot vote for a candidate in the opposite party. * If you are an identified Democrat, you can only vote for a Democratic candidate. (OHIO is considered a “Semi-Closed” Primary) * Open primaries – voters can vote for a candidate in any party. * Receive two ballots, cast one – choose on your own.

9. Now, here is where it gets confusing – BUT, we will try and keep it simple!

10. Each state has a portion of these delegates given to them by the RNC to give to the Republican candidates * 5 “At-large” delegates for each U.S. Senator (10) * 3 “District” delegates for each U.S. Representative (16x3=48) * 3 “Party Leader” delegates (3) * 0 “Electoral College” Bonus delegates * 1 “U.S. Senator” Bonus delegate * 1 “Republican Governor” Bonus delegate * 1 “U.S. House Majority” Bonus delegate * 1 “One Chamber” Bonus delegate * 1 “All Chambers” Bonus delegate

12. “Winner-take-all” vs. “Proportional” Delegate Distribution

13. * Democrats use a MUCH MUCHMUCH more complicated system for distributing delegates (I’ll spare you the pain)

14. Step Three: the National Convention * The National Convention is the final step in the nomination process * Purpose of the convention is to officially nominate a candidate for the upcoming Presidential election! * Signifies the end of primary season and the start of campaigning for the general election… * Goalsfor the National Conventions: 1. Nominate the President/Vice-President 2. Unite the party! 3. Create (and accept) the party platform

15. 2012 Republican National Convention Tampa, Florida – August 27, 2012 2012 RNC Highlights 2012 Democratic National Convention Charlotte, North Carolina – September 6, 2012 2012 DNC Highlights

16. * How does an individual get from here… … to here * * The nominating process narrows the field of possible candidates for public office! *