California's New Primary

California has now definitely moved its primary up to February 5, right after the New Hampshire primary. New Jersey, Florida, Missouri, Michigan and Texas are considering doing the same.

If this happens, it will make the US Presidential nomination race a very different ball game. There will no longer be enough time for an insurgent candidate to build momentum. Name recognition and an early lead in fundraising will be crucial. At the same time, there will be less opportunity for a frontrunner to be tested and found wanting, or to self-destruct.

Barring a stumble, it will be a big boost to Hillary Clinton, Rudy Giuliani, and John McCain.