First in the Nation 2012

The RNC rules committee recently voted to 28-12 to set a 2012 primary schedule that affirms New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation status. The proposal still needs an OK from the entire convention this year, but I think this is a good start.

I worked with the Ron Paul campaign in New Hampshire and was a meetup organizer here at school in Ohio. The differences were quite large. The people of New Hampshire were generally more aware and open to Ron Paul's message, while everyone seemed so separated from the process in Ohio.

My anecdotal experience confirms what other people have long said: New Hampshire should have the first primary because we honestly care what is going on, it's who we are. Shouldn't those who care have an influential role in the process? I think so.

Ron Paul 4th Place in NH

Two of the latest opinion polls have Ron Paul in fourth place for the New Hampshire GOP Primary. The first, from Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, has Dr. Paul at 7%, tied with Mike Huckabee. The second, from the Boston Globe also has him at 7%, but ahead of Huckabee.

Some interesting things to note:

Boston Globe Poll

- 60% of Republican voters have not decided on a candidate
- Ron Paul is in 4th Place for "Which candidate is the strongest leader", "Which candidate can best deal with terrorism", "Which candidate has the most experience", and "Which candidate has the best chance of beating the Democratic nominee"

Marist Poll

- Paul breaks his tie with Huckabee among self-described "Republicans"
- He is polling at 18% among those who make less than $50,000 a year, putting him in third place behind only Romney and Giuliani.
- He is at 12% in the 18-44 age group, once again putting him only behind Romney and Giuliani.
- Paul is also in fourth place, beating Thompson and Huckabee, when asked "Who has the best chance of beating a Democrat"