THE PRIMARY AND CAUCUS SEASON
California Dreaming: The mother lode of them all: 348 pledged Democratic delegates, 201 Republican. Because the California primary comes so late in the season, it rarely plays a critical role. But Cuomo has support there, and Gephardt met with California fund raisers last week. Do they think the rare could still be wide open in June? If it is, lie back and watch them scramble. June 1-7
Ohio Surprise? Large and regionally diverse, Ohio often surprises in an election year. In past Democratic primaries, the “smokestack belt” in eastern Ohio has voted quite differently from Democrats in the rest of the state. Since Ohio is always pivotal in the fall, a win here could mean more than just a walloping 151 pledged delegates. May 4-10
New York, New York: By the time of the New York primary, the Democratic contest could be in disarray-with no front runner at all. Party insiders may be chanting, “Cuomo, Cuomo, Cuomo. . " But the filing deadline has passed, and the governor couldn’t even become a favorite-son candidate. April 6-12
Midwest Shuffle: Between Illinois and Michigan, 295 pledged Democratic delegates. Japan-bashing likely to play well in Michigan, especially among autoworkers An uncommitted slate of delegates exists in Illinois, which could be used to launch Cuomo’s eleventh-hour bid. March 16-22
Super Tuesday. A wimpier version this year, down to 11 states from 20 in ‘88. From a potluck demographic mix, including Texas, Massachusetts, Missouri and Florida, Democrats will choose 783 pledged delegates; Republicans, 500. March 9-15
Heading South: Clinton hopes to score big in the Georgia and South Carolina primaries as a prelude to Super Tuesday. He has money and endorsements, but the draft is a big issue here. Paul Tsongas unlikely to got a toehold. March 2-8
New Hampshire. “Slick Willie” Clinton was the real issue here. Republicans: how much damage will Patrick Buchanan do? Feb. 10-16
