Why is it important for presidential candidates to get either New Hamp or Iowa's major votes to win?

Answer 1

What the straw polls/primaries show is which candidates Iowa (a fairly conservative state) and New Hampshire (a fairly liberal/libertarian state) prefer from the often large field of candidates.

Consider it a thinning of the herd. Historically, about 20% of the candidates drop out after these 2 contests.

Answer 2

After Iowa I've come to the conclusion that Iowa holds a strawpoll where:

If you pay the potential voters for a ride to and from the event, a hotel room, food and drink you'll place number 1; It doesn't hurt to have an Iowan Republican Caucus leader on your campaign staff or as a major supporter.

Have Newt Gingrich endorse you, you'll place #2;

And if you have an extraordinarily enthusiastic group of supporters, come from all around the country to educate standersby and cheer the candidate from start to finish you will come in #5th

In otherwords, I haven't a CLUE why Iowa is considered important. And neither does McCain, Giuliani nor Thompson ;-P

New Hampshire... I have yet to see why. But I'm very hopeful that the 'Live Free or Die' state won't wanna kill a chance for freedom and will vote for Dr. Paul.

:-)

Answer 3

Because of the headlines and momentum that these early primary dates generate.

I worked on a campaign years ago for a presidential candidate who seemed superiour at the time, but he couldn't get traction in Iowa and New Hampshire and the money dried up soon after and he had to drop out.

Answer 4

Since New Hampshire & Iowa hold primaries first, the following applies:

Unfortunately, in America there is what's called a 'Herd' mentality. Many Americans simply want to know who is leading or who is ahead and cast their vote with that candidate, @ election time, instead of doing the many hours of research it takes to distinguish between a candidate that follows the laws set forth in the Constitution and a candidate that may have other motives as to why they want to become president.

Because New Hampshire is a solid Libertarian state, look for Ron Paul to take an early presidential lead!
Thank you.
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Answer 5

So people remember there is a New Hampshire and Iowa.

Answer 6

Because voters are like sheep. They'll follow the lead of those states.

Answer 7

Momentum.

Answer 8

2 points will be ok right now.