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Race For The Presidency
Winning the 2008 Nomination
By Rhodes Cook |
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Smaller states often rely on the caucus process to select delegates, while mid-sized and larger states almost invariably opt for a presidential primary. That is not the case, however, with Minnesota, which has rarely broken from its traditional caucus in favor of a presidential primary.
Both parties in Minnesota are seeking to enhance their influence in 2008 by holding precinct caucuses on Feb. 5. Republican caucuses will follow the model used by Iowa Republicans: a nonbinding presidential preference vote held in conjunction with the GOP caucuses.
Minnesota does not have party registration. Any of the state's 3,118,515 registered voters (as of November 2006) may participate in either the Democratic or Republican caucuses.
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DEMOCRATS |
REPUBLICANS |
| THE CALENDAR |
| Precinct Caucuses |
Feb. 5 |
Feb. 5 |
| County or Legislative District Conventions |
Feb. 5-April 6 |
Feb. 22-March 15 |
| Congressional District Conventions |
April 12-June 6 |
March 28-April 19 |
| State Convention |
June 6-8 |
May 29-31 |
| THE DELEGATES |
| Number (% of national total) |
88 (2.0%) |
41 (1.7%) |
| Distribution: |
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By district |
47 (from 5 to 8 per district) |
24 (3 per district) |
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At-Large |
16 |
14 |
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Pledged PEOs |
9 |
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RNC members |
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3 |
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Superdelegates |
16 |
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| Method of Allocation |
Proportional—15% of vote needed to win a share of statewide or district delegates. |
Delegates run as individuals and are not formally allocated to reflect the caucus results. |
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