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A higher gear for a new year

A rock 'n' roll tour? Not exactly. But there are outrageous characters, stunts to pull off and plenty of groupies, er, political junkies. Here are the "tour" dates and places.

Last update: December 30, 2007 - 11:19 PM

Jan. 3: Iowa

Earlier and more important than ever, caucuses will be held in Iowa's 1,784 precincts, the first true test of the campaign. It's likely to be the first culling of the herd, with the top three finishers in each party carrying momentum into New Hampshire.

JAN. 5: WYOMING

GOP holds caucuses, which are less important than Iowa and New Hampshire.

JAN. 8: NEW HAMPSHIRE

New Hampshire's primary, the second big test of seeing how support in national polls (see Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Rodham Clinton) translates into on-the-ground results.

JAN. 15: MICHIGAN

This primary is the first big-state test. It's diminished on the Democratic side, because a dispute with the party over the primary's date has left Clinton as the only front-running candidate on the ballot.

JAN. 19: NEVADA/ S. CAROLINA

The first test of candidates' strength in the fast-growing West. South Carolina's GOP holds its primary, the first Southern test for the party's candidates.

JAN. 26: SOUTH CAROLINA

The Democrats hold their primary.

JAN. 29: FLORIDA

This primary is an important showdown, especially for Republican Rudy Giuliani, who has based his strategy on a big win there. The contest is diminished on the Democratic side, shunned by Democratic candidates after party officials said the state violated its rules.

FEB. 5: HERE, THERE, AND EVERYWHERE

The big Kahuna, a de-facto national primary day, when no fewer than 22 states, Minnesota among them, will hold contests. It's possible the parties' nominees will emerge once the votes are counted that night. If not, a free-for-all will ensue for weeks to come. The states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho (Democrats), Illinois, Kansas (Democrats), Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico (Democrats), New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah. Other primaries continue through June 28.

JULY-AUGUST: 'OPENING ACTS'

Traditionally, along about this time, candidates name their running mates. Interest in the choices could be heightened this year by the possibility of a female, African-American or Hispanic vice presidential candidate.

AUG. 25-28: DEMS' BASH

A nominee will be crowned at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

SEPT. 1-4: GOP BASH

The Republicans will launch their champion toward the general election at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, the first time Minnesota has hosted a convention since 1892.

SEPT. 26: A NEW BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Presidential debate in Oxford, Miss., focusing on domestic issues. This debate, as well as the Oct. 15 debate and the V.P. debate, will feature a new wrinkle: the candidates will directly question each other.

OCT. 2: BATTLE OF THE LIP SYNCHERS

Vice presidential debate, St. Louis.

OCT. 7: BATTLE OF THE BANDS 2

Presidential debate in Nashville, with questions from the audience and the Web.

OCT. 15: BATTLE OF THE BANDS 3

Presidential debate in Hempstead, N.Y., on international issues. And finally ...

November 4: American Idol, 55th edition -- a k a: Election Day

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Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.

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