New Hampshire Keeps It Reasonable

For all the bluster and veiled threats that the New Hampshire primary might be in December, state officials in New Hampshire announced today that it will be on January 8th, as the heaviest speculation had indicated it might be.

Michigan's Supreme Court was set to rule today on that state's primary, and of course their scheduling likely had an effect on New Hampshire's scheduling choices:

The much anticipated announcement came a few hours after the Michigan Supreme Court said that state's Jan. 15 primary can go ahead. Michigan is among many states bringing forward their primaries in the 2008 presidential race with the goal of having more influence.

So, January 8th is the earliest date ever for a presidential primary election, and is a mere five days after the Iowa caucus. It is not, however, as bad as it could have been. We could have been having a primary election next week. Or tomorrow.

Who does it help? Who does it hurt? I have no doubt the weekend political shows will have plenty to say on the subject. New Hampshire gets points for making some political news that will no doubt dominate the Thanksgiving news cycle.