(CNN) -- Top International Atomic Energy Agency officials arrived in Iran Sunday, state media reported, after the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog expressed fresh concerns that the Islamic republic was trying to develop nuclear weapons.
"We are trying... to resolve all the outstanding issues with Iran," chief inspector Herman Nackaerts told reporters earlier, as he was about to leave Vienna, Austria, according to Press TV. "We are looking forward to the start of a dialogue, a dialogue that is overdue."
A mission to Iran by such a senior team -- which also includes the agency's second-in-command, Rafael Grossi -- is unusual, the agency said when it announced the visit on Monday. The announcement of the mission came shortly after the European Union imposed a tough round of new sanctions on Iran, aimed at cutting off funding to the country's nuclear program. The United States and Australia have also ramped up sanctions on Iran in the past week.
The United States and its allies think Tehran is trying to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies it.
Speaking Friday at the Davos Forum in Switzerland, energy agency Director General Yukiya Amano told reporters the visit is intended "to clarify the issues with possible military dimensions. "We are not very sure whether Iran has declared everything and, therefore, we are not very sure that everything stays in peaceful purpose," he said. "In addition, we have information that Iran has engaged in activities related to the development of nuclear weapons. Therefore, we need to clarify."
The energy agency reported in November that it can no longer verify that the Iranian nuclear program remains peaceful, and Iran is under increasing international pressure to halt its nuclear fuel work.
Western sanctions have targeted its currency, the rial, driving up prices for goods within Iran, and the European Union announced Monday that it would stop importing Iranian oil as of July 1 in an effort to starve the country's nuclear program of funding.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Joe Paterno Death: 2nd Day Of Mourning For Paterno To End With Burial
HUFF POST
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — The second day of a three-day period of public mourning for the late Joe Paterno will culminate with the funeral and burial service for the Hall of Fame football coach who became the face of Penn State University.
Hundreds – if not thousands – of alumni, residents and students are expected to attend a four-hour visitation Wednesday morning to begin a slate of events that will end with a funeral service in the afternoon that the family has made private.
The 85-year-old Paterno died Sunday of lung cancer. He had been ousted just days before learning of his diagnosis in November, forced out of his job in the wake of child sex-abuse charges against a former assistant.
This week, mourners are focusing on the full body of accomplishments and philanthropy compiled by Paterno over his 46-year tenure as the Nittany Lions' coach. "His legacy is still going to be filled with the great things that he did. Look at this place," said Tom Sherman, a 1969 graduate from Johnstown, Pa. Before tearing up, Sherman said he attended Paterno's first game as head coach in 1966. "It's like he's part of your life. I admire that guy so much."
Inside the hall, the coach's body lay in a closed, hardwood casket topped by a spray of white roses. About six feet away sat a stylized black-and-white picture of the man who became lovingly known on campus as "JoePa," smiling and peering out through his trademark thick-rimmed glasses.
Paterno's casket had an "honor guard" of two Penn State players – one past and one present. Some mourners stopped for a moment of reflection, or to genuflect in the interfaith hall. Others fought back tears and sniffles. The only other sounds were the occasional clicks of news photographers taking pictures.
Paterno won 409 games and two national championships in a career admired by peers as much for its longevity as its success. Paterno also took as much pride in the program's graduation rates, often at or close to the top of the Big Ten.
"The passion, the love that he gave almost gave you a sense that you wanted to give it back to him," Penn State men's basketball coach Patrick Chambers said after escorting his team to the worship hall Tuesday evening. "We're forever indebted to him and we will continue to work as hard as we can."
On Thursday, the school's basketball arena will be the site of a public service called "A Memorial for Joe." Tickets on Tuesday were quickly snapped up for the event, even though there was a two-per-person limit for those ordering.The 85-year-old Paterno died Sunday of lung cancer. He had been ousted just days before learning of his diagnosis in November, forced out of his job in the wake of child sex-abuse charges against a former assistant.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — The second day of a three-day period of public mourning for the late Joe Paterno will culminate with the funeral and burial service for the Hall of Fame football coach who became the face of Penn State University.
Hundreds – if not thousands – of alumni, residents and students are expected to attend a four-hour visitation Wednesday morning to begin a slate of events that will end with a funeral service in the afternoon that the family has made private.
The 85-year-old Paterno died Sunday of lung cancer. He had been ousted just days before learning of his diagnosis in November, forced out of his job in the wake of child sex-abuse charges against a former assistant.
This week, mourners are focusing on the full body of accomplishments and philanthropy compiled by Paterno over his 46-year tenure as the Nittany Lions' coach. "His legacy is still going to be filled with the great things that he did. Look at this place," said Tom Sherman, a 1969 graduate from Johnstown, Pa. Before tearing up, Sherman said he attended Paterno's first game as head coach in 1966. "It's like he's part of your life. I admire that guy so much."
Inside the hall, the coach's body lay in a closed, hardwood casket topped by a spray of white roses. About six feet away sat a stylized black-and-white picture of the man who became lovingly known on campus as "JoePa," smiling and peering out through his trademark thick-rimmed glasses.
Paterno's casket had an "honor guard" of two Penn State players – one past and one present. Some mourners stopped for a moment of reflection, or to genuflect in the interfaith hall. Others fought back tears and sniffles. The only other sounds were the occasional clicks of news photographers taking pictures.
Paterno won 409 games and two national championships in a career admired by peers as much for its longevity as its success. Paterno also took as much pride in the program's graduation rates, often at or close to the top of the Big Ten.
"The passion, the love that he gave almost gave you a sense that you wanted to give it back to him," Penn State men's basketball coach Patrick Chambers said after escorting his team to the worship hall Tuesday evening. "We're forever indebted to him and we will continue to work as hard as we can."
On Thursday, the school's basketball arena will be the site of a public service called "A Memorial for Joe." Tickets on Tuesday were quickly snapped up for the event, even though there was a two-per-person limit for those ordering.The 85-year-old Paterno died Sunday of lung cancer. He had been ousted just days before learning of his diagnosis in November, forced out of his job in the wake of child sex-abuse charges against a former assistant.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Texas district cancels sports in hopes of improving grades
FOX NEWS
PERMONT, Texas – Eliminating high school athletics during a school year is unusual, especially in a sports-loving state such as Texas.
But that's exactly what's happening in this small ranching community where the school district is taking desperate measures to prevent a state-mandated closure due to poor academics. The Premont Independent School District is even deploying its superintendent, a constable and high school principal to the homes of truant students in an effort to improve dismal attendance.
The actions announced this week are not only part of a last-ditch effort to save the school district, but perhaps the entire community -- which some parents already plan to leave because of the uncertainty surrounding the schools' future.
The town of 2,700 people in South Texas has been on edge since the Texas Education Agency placed it on probation nearly a year ago and then last fall ordered that the school district close by July 1. The order has since been put on hold as the district gets one last chance to meet the state's criteria. Failure would force Premont ISD to be annexed into another district 35 miles away and eliminate one of the town's largest employers -- costing Premont 90 jobs.
With so much on the line, Superintendent Ernest Singleton decided drastic action was needed to show the state immediate improvement at Premont High School. The school failed to meet certain adequate yearly progress requirements since 2007 under the federal No Child Left Behind program.
To make time for extra tutoring and test preparation -- and to save some money -- Singleton decided sports at the school will have to wait at least until the next basketball season. That means no baseball, track, tennis or football.
"Sports is sacred ground in the state of Texas," said Singleton, who has been on the job barely seven months. "But because we're so far behind with student performance I wanted an environment that was academic only."
The problems at Premont are numerous. The buildings are outdated and in need of repairs. The enrollment is dwindling -- 570 students this year compared to about 800 students from five years ago -- and a startling percentage of those who are enrolled regularly miss classes.
Meanwhile, townspeople and students alike are still unsure how they will adjust to life without Premont Cowboy athletics.
About 100 of the district's students participate in the cancelled sports.
Besides providing extra study time for students, the decision to end the sports programs had a financial component as well. The district has to have two new science labs in its high school by Aug. 1 and must attract highly qualified teachers.
PERMONT, Texas – Eliminating high school athletics during a school year is unusual, especially in a sports-loving state such as Texas.
But that's exactly what's happening in this small ranching community where the school district is taking desperate measures to prevent a state-mandated closure due to poor academics. The Premont Independent School District is even deploying its superintendent, a constable and high school principal to the homes of truant students in an effort to improve dismal attendance.
The actions announced this week are not only part of a last-ditch effort to save the school district, but perhaps the entire community -- which some parents already plan to leave because of the uncertainty surrounding the schools' future.
The town of 2,700 people in South Texas has been on edge since the Texas Education Agency placed it on probation nearly a year ago and then last fall ordered that the school district close by July 1. The order has since been put on hold as the district gets one last chance to meet the state's criteria. Failure would force Premont ISD to be annexed into another district 35 miles away and eliminate one of the town's largest employers -- costing Premont 90 jobs.
With so much on the line, Superintendent Ernest Singleton decided drastic action was needed to show the state immediate improvement at Premont High School. The school failed to meet certain adequate yearly progress requirements since 2007 under the federal No Child Left Behind program.
To make time for extra tutoring and test preparation -- and to save some money -- Singleton decided sports at the school will have to wait at least until the next basketball season. That means no baseball, track, tennis or football.
"Sports is sacred ground in the state of Texas," said Singleton, who has been on the job barely seven months. "But because we're so far behind with student performance I wanted an environment that was academic only."
The problems at Premont are numerous. The buildings are outdated and in need of repairs. The enrollment is dwindling -- 570 students this year compared to about 800 students from five years ago -- and a startling percentage of those who are enrolled regularly miss classes.
Meanwhile, townspeople and students alike are still unsure how they will adjust to life without Premont Cowboy athletics.
About 100 of the district's students participate in the cancelled sports.
Besides providing extra study time for students, the decision to end the sports programs had a financial component as well. The district has to have two new science labs in its high school by Aug. 1 and must attract highly qualified teachers.
Monday, January 16, 2012
US investigates video of soldiers urinating on corpses
STUFF
The US Marine Corps will investigate a video showing what appear to be American forces in Afghanistan urinating on the bodies of dead Taliban fighters.
The video, which was posted on YouTube and other websites, shows four men in camouflage Marine combat uniforms urinating on the bodies of three dead Taliban. One of them jokes: "Have a nice day, buddy." Another makes a lewd joke about a shower.
"While we have not yet verified the origin or authenticity of this video, the actions portrayed are not consistent with our core values and are not indicative of the character of the Marines in our Corps," the Marines said in a statement. "This matter will be fully investigated."
The video could aggravate anti-American sentiment in Afghanistan after a decade of a war that seen other cases of abuse. The Marine video release comes at a sensitive moment, with Washington trying to promote Afghan reconciliation as US troops gradually withdraw from the country.
US Ambassador Marc Grossman is due to visit Afghanistan and Qatar next week for talks with the Afghan and Qatar governments.
At the Pentagon, Captain John Kirby said the defence department was "deeply troubled" by the video. "Whoever it is, and whatever the circumstances - which we know is under investigation - it is egregious behaviour and unacceptable for a member of the military," Kirby, a Pentagon spokesman, said.
The US Marine Corps will investigate a video showing what appear to be American forces in Afghanistan urinating on the bodies of dead Taliban fighters.
The video, which was posted on YouTube and other websites, shows four men in camouflage Marine combat uniforms urinating on the bodies of three dead Taliban. One of them jokes: "Have a nice day, buddy." Another makes a lewd joke about a shower.
"While we have not yet verified the origin or authenticity of this video, the actions portrayed are not consistent with our core values and are not indicative of the character of the Marines in our Corps," the Marines said in a statement. "This matter will be fully investigated."
The video could aggravate anti-American sentiment in Afghanistan after a decade of a war that seen other cases of abuse. The Marine video release comes at a sensitive moment, with Washington trying to promote Afghan reconciliation as US troops gradually withdraw from the country.
US Ambassador Marc Grossman is due to visit Afghanistan and Qatar next week for talks with the Afghan and Qatar governments.
At the Pentagon, Captain John Kirby said the defence department was "deeply troubled" by the video. "Whoever it is, and whatever the circumstances - which we know is under investigation - it is egregious behaviour and unacceptable for a member of the military," Kirby, a Pentagon spokesman, said.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Outgoing Gov. Haley Barbour's pardons shock Mississippi
By Richard Fausset, Los Angeles Times
Terrance Winters of Yazoo City, Miss., voted for Haley Barbour in the past, and while he gives the ex-governor a mixed grade these days, particularly on economic matters, he's always given Barbour points for political shrewdness.
Which is why Winters, a 31-year-old cook at a barbecue restaurant, is flummoxed by the mess that Barbour left behind after stepping down from office this week. "I actually don't know what he was thinking," Winters said. That is a question most of Mississippi, and the political world far beyond it, is asking.
In his final days of a two-term run as governor, the law-and-order Republican granted pardons or early release to more than 200 Mississippi lawbreakers.
The actions have brought criticism from victims' families, everyday Mississippians like Winters, and Democratic officials including Jim Hood, the state attorney general, who persuaded a judge to put some of the pardons on hold.
"It's unfortunate Gov. Barbour didn't read the constitution," Hood said in a televised interview Wednesday. "It's a shame, and he ought to be ashamed," Hood added.
Four of those pardoned were convicted killers who had worked as prison-system trusty laborers at the antebellum governor's mansion in Jackson.
The matter threatens to tarnish the exceptional reputation that Barbour enjoyed in his conservative home state, even as high-profile gaffes on the national stage last year made him reconsider a run for president.
A November survey by the firm Public Policy Polling found that Barbour enjoyed a 60% approval rating in Mississippi, the highest number among 42 sitting governors about whom the company inquired, according to Director Tom Jensen. By law he could only serve two consecutive terms.
In a statement Wednesday, Barbour said people misunderstood his motives.
"The pardons were intended to allow them to find gainful employment or acquire professional licenses as well as hunt and vote," he said. "My decision about clemency was based upon the recommendation of the parole board in more than 90% of the cases."
Barbour said the people were "not threats to society, but if any of them commits an offense — even a misdemeanor — they'll be returned to custody to serve out their term."
Of the 215 people Barbour pardoned, 26 were still incarcerated. The other 189 had already completed their sentences.
Terrance Winters of Yazoo City, Miss., voted for Haley Barbour in the past, and while he gives the ex-governor a mixed grade these days, particularly on economic matters, he's always given Barbour points for political shrewdness.
Which is why Winters, a 31-year-old cook at a barbecue restaurant, is flummoxed by the mess that Barbour left behind after stepping down from office this week. "I actually don't know what he was thinking," Winters said. That is a question most of Mississippi, and the political world far beyond it, is asking.
In his final days of a two-term run as governor, the law-and-order Republican granted pardons or early release to more than 200 Mississippi lawbreakers.
The actions have brought criticism from victims' families, everyday Mississippians like Winters, and Democratic officials including Jim Hood, the state attorney general, who persuaded a judge to put some of the pardons on hold.
"It's unfortunate Gov. Barbour didn't read the constitution," Hood said in a televised interview Wednesday. "It's a shame, and he ought to be ashamed," Hood added.
Four of those pardoned were convicted killers who had worked as prison-system trusty laborers at the antebellum governor's mansion in Jackson.
The matter threatens to tarnish the exceptional reputation that Barbour enjoyed in his conservative home state, even as high-profile gaffes on the national stage last year made him reconsider a run for president.
A November survey by the firm Public Policy Polling found that Barbour enjoyed a 60% approval rating in Mississippi, the highest number among 42 sitting governors about whom the company inquired, according to Director Tom Jensen. By law he could only serve two consecutive terms.
In a statement Wednesday, Barbour said people misunderstood his motives.
"The pardons were intended to allow them to find gainful employment or acquire professional licenses as well as hunt and vote," he said. "My decision about clemency was based upon the recommendation of the parole board in more than 90% of the cases."
Barbour said the people were "not threats to society, but if any of them commits an offense — even a misdemeanor — they'll be returned to custody to serve out their term."
Of the 215 people Barbour pardoned, 26 were still incarcerated. The other 189 had already completed their sentences.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Hockey parents wait, hope
STAR/TRIBUNEKim Palmer
Two teenagers, both seriously injured a week apart while playing hockey, remained hospitalized on Sunday at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, where their family members anxiously watched their every movement, hoping for signs of improvement.
Jenna Privette, an 18-year-old senior at St. Croix Lutheran High School in West St. Paul who was injured on Friday, was in satisfactory condition, still unable to move her legs or feet and still experiencing pain and tingling in her arms, according to her father, Dan Privette of Burnsville. "There hasn't been a lot of change," he said on Sunday, although an MRI showed no breaks in her spinal cord. She will undergo further testing.
Jack Jablonski, a 16-year-old Benilde-St. Margaret's sophomore paralyzed on Dec. 30 after a check from behind that severed his spinal cord, had his feeding tube removed on Saturday, ate his first solid food -- cheese pizza -- and was lifted into an upright position for a few minutes. "He's been lying on his back for seven days, and he did very well," said his father, Mike Jablonski.
Jablonski, who has been told he will never walk or skate again, has regained some movement in both his shoulders and upper arms. "Moving his arms -- that's huge," said his father, who planned to spend Sunday decorating his son's hospital room with NHL jerseys sent to him in an outpouring of sympathy and support from the hockey world.
The family has been heartened by the small improvements in Jack's mobility, as well as by seeing his spirit returning. "All of a sudden we got Jack back. He's talking. His personality is there," Mike said. "With all the meds, he was so groggy. I told him, 'You've got a lot of people pulling hard for you.' The hockey community, and the community in general, has been beautiful."
But while his slight gains in mobility are positive, "it doesn't change the fact that the spinal cord is completely severed," said Dr. Tina Slusher, pediatric critical care doctor at HCMC. "With various devices, he will have some use, and even a little movement means you can do a lot more. Still, we're not very optimistic about a lot more return in function." If Jack's progress continues, he probably will be moved to a rehabilitation facility within the next week or two, Slusher said.
Privette's prognosis is unclear, although her injury appears less severe than Jablon-ski's. "She's had an MRI, and it did not show breaks in the spinal cord, which makes it different than Jablonski's [injury]," said Carl Lemke, athletic director at St. Croix Lutheran. "It's an injury she's had in the past. Hopefully, it will improve."
The two high-profile incidents have sparked debate about how the game should be played, coached and officiated to best protect the safety of young players.
Checking is not allowed in girls' hockey, under Minnesota High School League rules, yet Dan Privette said that he saw his daughter checked from behind and that the player who delivered the check did not receive a penalty.
Checking is allowed in boys' hockey, although not from behind, at the bantam and high school levels.
Mike Jablonski doesn't think checking should be banned, but he hopes that one result of his son's injury is stricter officiating. "Checking 10 to 20 years ago is different than it is now," he said. "You can't be hitting people blindly into the boards. Let's make this a finesse game of speed and skill."
Even before the recent injuries, Todd Cocallas, board member for the Eden Prairie Hockey Association, was calling for stricter officiating. His son, a bantam, suffered a concussion this season when he was crossed-checked from behind and sent face-first into the boards. "The kid didn't even get a penalty," Cocallas said. "He should have been kicked out of the tournament. Kids have got to be taught that this is not OK."
Two teenagers, both seriously injured a week apart while playing hockey, remained hospitalized on Sunday at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, where their family members anxiously watched their every movement, hoping for signs of improvement.
Jenna Privette, an 18-year-old senior at St. Croix Lutheran High School in West St. Paul who was injured on Friday, was in satisfactory condition, still unable to move her legs or feet and still experiencing pain and tingling in her arms, according to her father, Dan Privette of Burnsville. "There hasn't been a lot of change," he said on Sunday, although an MRI showed no breaks in her spinal cord. She will undergo further testing.
Jack Jablonski, a 16-year-old Benilde-St. Margaret's sophomore paralyzed on Dec. 30 after a check from behind that severed his spinal cord, had his feeding tube removed on Saturday, ate his first solid food -- cheese pizza -- and was lifted into an upright position for a few minutes. "He's been lying on his back for seven days, and he did very well," said his father, Mike Jablonski.
Jablonski, who has been told he will never walk or skate again, has regained some movement in both his shoulders and upper arms. "Moving his arms -- that's huge," said his father, who planned to spend Sunday decorating his son's hospital room with NHL jerseys sent to him in an outpouring of sympathy and support from the hockey world.
The family has been heartened by the small improvements in Jack's mobility, as well as by seeing his spirit returning. "All of a sudden we got Jack back. He's talking. His personality is there," Mike said. "With all the meds, he was so groggy. I told him, 'You've got a lot of people pulling hard for you.' The hockey community, and the community in general, has been beautiful."
But while his slight gains in mobility are positive, "it doesn't change the fact that the spinal cord is completely severed," said Dr. Tina Slusher, pediatric critical care doctor at HCMC. "With various devices, he will have some use, and even a little movement means you can do a lot more. Still, we're not very optimistic about a lot more return in function." If Jack's progress continues, he probably will be moved to a rehabilitation facility within the next week or two, Slusher said.
Privette's prognosis is unclear, although her injury appears less severe than Jablon-ski's. "She's had an MRI, and it did not show breaks in the spinal cord, which makes it different than Jablonski's [injury]," said Carl Lemke, athletic director at St. Croix Lutheran. "It's an injury she's had in the past. Hopefully, it will improve."
The two high-profile incidents have sparked debate about how the game should be played, coached and officiated to best protect the safety of young players.
Checking is not allowed in girls' hockey, under Minnesota High School League rules, yet Dan Privette said that he saw his daughter checked from behind and that the player who delivered the check did not receive a penalty.
Checking is allowed in boys' hockey, although not from behind, at the bantam and high school levels.
Mike Jablonski doesn't think checking should be banned, but he hopes that one result of his son's injury is stricter officiating. "Checking 10 to 20 years ago is different than it is now," he said. "You can't be hitting people blindly into the boards. Let's make this a finesse game of speed and skill."
Even before the recent injuries, Todd Cocallas, board member for the Eden Prairie Hockey Association, was calling for stricter officiating. His son, a bantam, suffered a concussion this season when he was crossed-checked from behind and sent face-first into the boards. "The kid didn't even get a penalty," Cocallas said. "He should have been kicked out of the tournament. Kids have got to be taught that this is not OK."
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Romney and Santorum in near dead-heat in Iowa; Ron Paul close behind
Des Moines, Iowa (CNN) -- Mitt Romney has defeated Rick Santorum in the Iowa caucuses by eight votes, clinching what appears to be the closest-ever margin of victory in a Republican presidential contest, the state Republican Party said early Wednesday.
Ron Paul finished a close third, according to the state GOP. Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who placed fifth, said late Tuesday that he would return to his home state to consider whether his campaign would continue.
Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, had 30,015 votes. Santorum, a former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania and an upstart challenger who just weeks ago polled in the single digits, had 30,007, the state GOP said.
Each had roughly 25% of the vote in Iowa, the first state to vote in the 2012 presidential caucus and primary season. Paul, a U.S. representative from Texas, had 21%. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich was at 13%. Perry was at 10%, Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota had 5%, and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman had 1%.
The focus of the race now shifts to New Hampshire, which holds its primary election next Tuesday.
Ron Paul finished a close third, according to the state GOP. Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who placed fifth, said late Tuesday that he would return to his home state to consider whether his campaign would continue.
Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, had 30,015 votes. Santorum, a former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania and an upstart challenger who just weeks ago polled in the single digits, had 30,007, the state GOP said.
Each had roughly 25% of the vote in Iowa, the first state to vote in the 2012 presidential caucus and primary season. Paul, a U.S. representative from Texas, had 21%. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich was at 13%. Perry was at 10%, Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota had 5%, and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman had 1%.
The focus of the race now shifts to New Hampshire, which holds its primary election next Tuesday.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Why should Iowa and New Hampshire always go first?
PALM BEACH POST
By Gerald D. Skoning
Florida's decision to hold its presidential primary on Jan. 31 has started a game of leapfrog among states trying to assert their influence in picking the nominee and to draw millions of dollars in candidate spending.
The Iowa caucuses are set for January 3rd, and the New Hampshire primary for January 10th. What is it about those idiosyncratic states that qualifies them for such status? Why should they go first? Why not Florida?
I'm tired of hearing about what voters in Iowa and New Hampshire think about the candidates for president. Neither state is a good bellwether. Each is smaller, older, whiter and more rural, and unemployment in New Hampshire is 4.8 percent, almost half the national average. The system needs to change if we are to find candidates who are more satisfactory to the country at large. We should rotate the order of the presidential primaries each election cycle. In 2016, Iowa and New Hampshire should go last.
Advocates for Iowa and New Hampshire going first argue that it gives candidates an increasingly rare opportunity to engage in retail politics and generate some momentum if they are starting with less money or name recognition. But many other states (like Florida) could provide those same grass-roots handshaking opportunities and "town hall meetings." The Iowa-New Hampshire primacy seems to be a case of inertia: We've just always done it that way.
Of course, while the political stakes are huge, the financial stakes are considerable as well. Early primary states reap a windfall in the form of campaign spending and media buys. New Hampshire officials estimate that their first-in-the-nation primary will mean $264 million in economic benefits.
Other states (like Florida) ought to have a shot at that windfall, particularly in light of the struggling economy. Hence the decision to move up the Florida primary. But we should have a chance to go first without being penalized by convention delegates. We need a better, more equitable way to schedule state presidential primary elections.
Some have suggested having regional primaries and rotating the order every presidential election - Northeast, Southwest, Midwest and so on. That would be vastly more democratic and would distribute the economic benefits of early primaries more equitably. But to be fair to all 50 states, maybe we should have a national lottery to determine the order of state primaries.
It would be conducted like many state gambling lotteries, as a televised event, but on a larger, national stage - the Lincoln Memorial? - with coverage by all the major networks and cable news programs. A lottery system would be simple to execute and would avoid the escalating interstate competition Florida has kicked off, an absurd scramble that could result in presidential primaries being held before Thanksgiving of this year or even earlier.
In 2008, Florida moved up its primary and made a difference in the selection of John McCain, but was threatened with the loss of convention delegates. The largest swing state should not have to break the rules to have a voice.
By Gerald D. Skoning
Florida's decision to hold its presidential primary on Jan. 31 has started a game of leapfrog among states trying to assert their influence in picking the nominee and to draw millions of dollars in candidate spending.
The Iowa caucuses are set for January 3rd, and the New Hampshire primary for January 10th. What is it about those idiosyncratic states that qualifies them for such status? Why should they go first? Why not Florida?
I'm tired of hearing about what voters in Iowa and New Hampshire think about the candidates for president. Neither state is a good bellwether. Each is smaller, older, whiter and more rural, and unemployment in New Hampshire is 4.8 percent, almost half the national average. The system needs to change if we are to find candidates who are more satisfactory to the country at large. We should rotate the order of the presidential primaries each election cycle. In 2016, Iowa and New Hampshire should go last.
Advocates for Iowa and New Hampshire going first argue that it gives candidates an increasingly rare opportunity to engage in retail politics and generate some momentum if they are starting with less money or name recognition. But many other states (like Florida) could provide those same grass-roots handshaking opportunities and "town hall meetings." The Iowa-New Hampshire primacy seems to be a case of inertia: We've just always done it that way.
Of course, while the political stakes are huge, the financial stakes are considerable as well. Early primary states reap a windfall in the form of campaign spending and media buys. New Hampshire officials estimate that their first-in-the-nation primary will mean $264 million in economic benefits.
Other states (like Florida) ought to have a shot at that windfall, particularly in light of the struggling economy. Hence the decision to move up the Florida primary. But we should have a chance to go first without being penalized by convention delegates. We need a better, more equitable way to schedule state presidential primary elections.
Some have suggested having regional primaries and rotating the order every presidential election - Northeast, Southwest, Midwest and so on. That would be vastly more democratic and would distribute the economic benefits of early primaries more equitably. But to be fair to all 50 states, maybe we should have a national lottery to determine the order of state primaries.
It would be conducted like many state gambling lotteries, as a televised event, but on a larger, national stage - the Lincoln Memorial? - with coverage by all the major networks and cable news programs. A lottery system would be simple to execute and would avoid the escalating interstate competition Florida has kicked off, an absurd scramble that could result in presidential primaries being held before Thanksgiving of this year or even earlier.
In 2008, Florida moved up its primary and made a difference in the selection of John McCain, but was threatened with the loss of convention delegates. The largest swing state should not have to break the rules to have a voice.