Why the 50-State Primary Was Good for Democrats

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Edward Espinoza
Member, Democratic National Committee

Now that the marathon Democratic nominating process has concluded, there are varying opinions on whether or not this prolonged calendar was good for the Party.

Some say the protracted struggle between Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama has been hurtful, other say that the longer calendar has taken attention away from the Democrats and helped place Republican presumptive nominee John McCain in a favorable light.

Though one could also claim that longer calendar has made presumptive nominee Barack Obama stronger for the fall campaign, or that the extended elections have given Democrats more attention.

Going back to the first nominating contests when candidates such as former North Carolina Senator John Edwards and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson still graced the stage, the process has generated more than 20 issue forums and debates, has helped make Barack Obama battle-tested for the fall and ultimately brought the Democratic message to voters all over America.

Ultimately, the 50-state primary has been one of the best things to happen in presidential nominating politics in a generation.

I have had the unique opportunity to see the primary process unfold in seven states this year. As such, I can attest to the notion that there is some voter fatigue in states which voted prior to April.

However, I can also attest to the enthusiasm of voters residing in all of the states leading up to their respective elections - particularly those with later primaries, eagerly awaiting the elections and participating in record numbers. While working with a presidential candidate in Iowa last January, I saw a caucus room overflow and double turnout from 2004. And while working with a gubernatorial candidate in North Carolina, I did not meet one single voter who was exasperated by the fact that the presidential primary was still going on in May.

Let’s look at the ways the 50-state primary has energized voters all across the nation:

More than 35 million voters have participated and voted for Democratic presidential candidates since January 3rd. More votes have been cast during this primary season than in any other in history. In the span of only five months, Democrats have built organizations in states which haven't seen a Democratic presidential candidate in what seems like a lifetime; places like Idaho, Mississippi and South Dakota.