When the primaries begin next spring , each state has the same number of delegates as they possess in the electoral college process, based upon population of each state. Some states have primaries, some have caucuses (where party loyalists assemble to decide who to support)
Most of the primaries are on a winner take all basis, so for instance if Hillary wins a simple majority of New York's primary vote she would "collect" all (40 something) of NY's delegates.
As the primary season moves along some will gain support, based upon early victories, & others will falter as campaign donations dry up for them (nobody donates to a losing campaign!)
When each party has it's convention next summer the candidate from each party who has won the required number of delegates to earn the nomination is nominated. As things progress some of the lesser candidates will broker deals to pledge their support for________ & give the few delegates they've won to that person in exchange for some commitment, usually to support some "pet" issue for the losing person.
In the evnt of a really close race for the nomination, noone may have enough delegates to win nomination on the first ballot, so a second.....third & so forth ballot will be taken. The folks who are not at the top will release their delegates & they will now vote their personal conscience.
The conventions have been pretty much decided in advance the last 25 years or so tho. (WHEW!! didn't mean to be so long winded, but I live political campaigns!!)
2007-02-18 20:05:48
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answer #1
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answered by SantaBud 6
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One of the biggest obstacles is simply getting on the ballot in many States. The system is rigged to make it easy to get on the ballot if you are a R or a D, but if you are a third Party, it can be extremely difficult. Then, there is raising money. And that plays a role on getting on the ballot. And also in getting a message across. Some may say there were dozens of candidates running for President in 2012. But in how many States? One has to be able to mount a campaign in all the States, and getting on the ballot can pose significant challenges in many States. Heck, even Rick Santorum couldn't get a complete slate of delegates in all the States he competed in during the 2012 Republican primaries. The parties in power benefit when the rules favor them. The Nation suffers if there is a lack of discussion of ideas. A viable third party has a great deal of influence in making changes in the two major parties. On the other hand, if there were 40 strong parties, all claiming a piece of the pie, little would get accomplished.
2016-05-24 07:19:50
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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SantaBud rocks. I hope all his stuff is right, but he gives you a pretty good 'gist'.
Forgot one thing - usually a sitting President( 1st term) is not challenged by anyone in his party. It has happened.
2007-02-23 16:43:09
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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