Democratic Unit Votes to Add Early '08 Contests

The proposal, offered by former Clinton administration official Maria Echaveste, was designed not only to make explicit that the party would no longer give special status to Iowa or New Hampshire but also to delay by several weeks the start of the nominating season, which many have complained is far too early.

Advocates said the amendment represented the only effective way to significantly change the nominating process; opponents cited the possibility of unintended consequences and said Iowa and New Hampshire probably would find a way around the new system.

The recommendation was discussed at sometimes-heated private dinner Friday and sparked an intense debate during yesterday's open session. Minutes before the vote, Price was forced to warn the commission that members risked overturning nearly a year of deliberation and debate. "The only realistic path to change is the one we have marked out," he said.

Echaveste considered but then rejected withdrawing the amendment. As supporters lobbied wavering commissioners, Herman and Price pushed for a quick vote. In the end the amendment was defeated 18 to 9. "We came close to really blowing up the thing," said Debbie Dingell, the other Michigan commissioner.

Under the plan approved yesterday, Iowa's caucuses probably would be held Jan. 14, 2008, one week earlier than in 2004. One or two more caucuses would be conducted a few days later. The plan envisions New Hampshire holding its primary on Jan. 22, 2008, with one or two more primaries perhaps a week after that.

That could result in six contests over 15 days in early 2008.

Price said the commission had taken steps to resolve complaints that the nominating process is too front-loaded, in effect selecting a nominee before most voters have had the chance to participate in the selection.

The commission urged the adoption of a system that would provide additional Democratic National Convention delegates to states that have contests later in the spring, with those holding the latest events receiving the most additional delegates.

In addition, the commission recommended that no more than five states be allowed to hold contests within any single week. That would eliminate "Super Tuesday," the first Tuesday in March, when 10 states voted in 2004.