If you caucus, they will come

Have you ever wondered why Iowa is so important during a presidential election? There are only two things I know about Iowa, Field of Dreams and American Pickers. Based on just those two things, Iowa seems fairly cool. However, hearing voices in corn fields and buying antiques out of some guy's barn are not good reasons for presidential stardom.

The truth is that Iowa is important because it is the first state to hold a caucus. Candidates spend a ridiculous about of time in Iowa, because of the press attention received and the first real test to voters.

I would argue that Iowa is no more important than New Hampshire or South Carolina. Why? When I think of the average American voter, I do not think of Iowa. Every state adds its own character to the election process and totaled, the best candidate is chosen. It is like saying one of your kids is more important that the other because they were first. The fact is that only 5 times since 1972 has a candidate who won Iowa also won the presidency. Of those 5 times, 3 of those were unopposed votes. That means that since 1972, when there was competition, the Iowa winner has only won the presidential election twice. These were George W. Bush in 2000 and Barack Obama in 2008.

So, lets take a step back from the political jockeying for one minute and ask a question that matters. If it is Thursday in Samoa and tomorrow is Saturday, but you had bills due on Friday are they late on Saturday and early on Thursday?