During the pre-primary period--the year following the mid-term elections--the field of presidential candidates takes shape, the race for money and campaign talent unfolds, and differences on issues between the candidates begin to crystallize.

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A candidate's formal announcement speech can set the tone for his or her campaign.  In a symbolic location, surrounded by family and cheering supporters, the candidate outlines the themes that he or she will call upon repeatedly during the course of the campaign.  In 2008 cycle, however, quite a few of the candidates decided to forego the expense and trouble of a formal announcement event and simply announced their campaigns in media appearances (for example Dodd on "Imus in the Morning," Paul on CSPAN's "Washington Journal," and Tancredo on WHO Radio's "Mickelson in the Morning") or web videos.

Oftentimes the candidate will do an announcement tour, delivering the same or similar speeches at several stops.  Thereafter come countless stump speeches to local Rotary Clubs, to chambers of commerce, to state party conventions, and to assorted other gatherings in school auditoriums and American Legion halls around the country.

Building
The contacts and networks built up during the pre-campaign period provide a starting point for building campaign organizations.  When the 2006 mid-term elections concluded, a large pool of talent became available.

Democrats: Biden | Clinton | Dodd | Edwards | Kucinich | Obama | Richardson | Vilsack | Gravel.
Republicans: Brownback | Gilmore | Giuliani |  Huckabee | Hunter | McCain | Pataki | Paul | Romney | Tancredo | F.Thompson | T.Thompson | Cox.
Note to Readers: Organization pages are based on information from the campaigns supplemented by news accounts.  They can always be improved.  Your input is welcome.

In addition to their core campaign teams, candidates must also build organizations in key states, lining up support and endorsements from county chairmen and elected officials.  In Iowa, New Hampshire and a few other states, the campaigns open state headquarters to better mobilize supporters.  To attract money and talent, a candidate must convince the party activists and donors that he or she can wage a winning campaign.  Some candidates seek strong showings in various straw polls to demonstrate appeal.  Major policy speeches draw attention.  Favorable media coverage, poll results, major speeches and other developments all become fodder for campaign newsletters and updates as the campaigns seek to show growing support.
 

Race for Money  >
If past presidential campaigns are any guide, the major party nominees will be effectively settled by the end of 2007.  Before the first vote is cast in a caucus or primary, candidates must first engage in "the money primary."  Stan Huckaby, a Republican financial consultant, notes that "historically the person who has raised the most in matchable contributions as of the last day of the year prior to the election has always received the nomination."
 

Campaign Heats Up
Numerous debates and forums have been scheduled.  (details)  On April 26, 2007 the first candidate debate took place as the Democrats met in Orangeburg, SC; Republicans' first meeting occured May 3 in Simi Valley, CA.  (Democratic and Republican debates planned for early April in New Hampshire were pushed back to June).  Individual events rarely prove decisive, in the sense that one candidate clearly outshines the others, but a series of strong performances can boost a candidacy, while gaffes or sub-par performances can undermine a hopeful's efforts.  The ad campaigns also started.  Republican Mitt Romney's campaign went up with television ads in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Florida and Michigan on Feb. 21, 2007, although Duncan Hunter's PAC ran some earlier as did longshot John Cox's campaign.  Bill Richardson's campaign became the first on the Democratic side to run TV ads, going up in Iowa and New Hampshire on April 23.

By fall 2007 media and public attention turns more and more to Iowa and New Hampshire, where a lucky few voters will finally have a say.  Behind the scenes, the campaign must also lay the groundwork for qualifying for the ballot in primary states.  Each state has its own rules--some are tortuous, others expensive and others, like New Hampshire, are relatively straightforward.  In November and December, filing deadlines start coming up in individual states.  In a vital, but little noticed part of the campaign, work goes on to line up full delegate slates, so that if the candidate actually survives the early contests, he or she will not be knocked out by default in later states.
 
 

Exit Stage Left
For some candidates, the months of planning and preparation, hard work and handshaking are not enough to make it to the starting line, let alone secure the party's nomination.  Reality sets in, and it becomes impossible to continue without going into debt.  On the Republican side, the Iowa Straw Poll continues to serve as an important marker.  (see Aug. 18, 1999 report).  This event, held on Aug. 11, 2007 on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, caused former Gov. Tommy Thompson (R-WI) to end his campaign and precipated Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS)'s withdrawal in October.  All told five presidential candidates withdrew before the first votes were cast.  Emotions are high, and a few tears may be shed, as the candidate, surrounded by family and staff, announces the end of his or her quest.  The speech and the Q and A that may follow, offers initial insights into what the candidate feels he or she accomplished and why he or she failed to gain more support.  The candidate may also take this opportunity to throw his or her support to one of the remaining contenders.
 

Copyright © 2006, 2007  Eric M. Appleman/Democracy in Action