March 12, 2005 Details

The Commission held its first meeting on March 12, 2005 in Washington, D.C. The meeting included presentations from individuals with expertise in the Democratic Party's nomination process. Topics discussed included: a recap of the history of the Party's rule on the timing of primaries and caucuses; a discussion of the Party's goals and interests in developing a nominating calendar; an overview of what presidential candidates and voters expect from a primary schedule; and a review of the challenges the Party faces in developing a calendar.

• Presentation I: The History of the "Window" and Presidential Primaries and Caucuses 1976 to Present.
• Presentation II: The Party's Interests.
• Presentation III: Challenges.