Reply #2: Well, that IS the way the candidates are SUPPOSED to do it.

[MADem]

The NH and Iowa experiences are very personal. If they aren't there, they can't expect results. Tip O'Neill remembered the adage about one of his loyal constituents, who told him that she didn't vote for him during one election. He was surprised and asked WHY? Her answer: You didn't ask.

The lesson: People like to be ASKED for their vote. Ya gotta be there, and you have to ASK.

Not all of them are out there asking, though. The ones who are serious should be spending the bulk of their time in the first three states, with their crews getting out there in heavy duty mode, and begin to have their campaigns starting to do mailings and smile and dial in the subsequent ones.

Those early wins can be helpful--you don't have to win, but placing is almost as good, especially if you're coming from behind.