The Pre-primary period in presidential elections

Russell Renka
Department of Political Science

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    This is the 24th day of January 2000, one day before Iowa's caucuses.  It is the last day of the "invisible primary" of Campaign 2000.  On this day, before any votes are cast or presidential delegates selected, I predict that on 7 November 2000, the nation will confront a two-way choice of Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Albert Gore.  This election cycle's invisible primary tells us as much. 

  The "pre-primary" or invisible primary refers to the extensive time span prior to the first election year caucus or primary.   Potential candidates decide here whether to run or not.  Those who run decide what strategy to follow, whom to hire, how to raise money, what issues to emphasize, and who they expect to face as key opponents.  The invisible primary has been important ever since the 1972 onset of primary-dominated presidential campaigns.  In 1999-2000 it was even more potent than usual.