d, the status of the incumbent must also be controlled. Fourth, a control variable is needed to account for the unique politics of the South, since they have traditionally be strictly Democratic. Finally, a control may be useful to assess gradual shifts in the normal Democratic vote. Typically, primaries are very effective tools for making the potential candidates and eventually making them the clear favorites to represent their party in the general election. In this years primary elections, George W. Bush had a difficult primary season. He was competing against John McCain and some other candidate who ran very good campaigns and gave Bush some difficulties in the large primaries. In the end Bush ran the best campaign and won his parties nomination for the general election and is a stronger candidate for his stiff competition. Al Gore, as the Vice President, really was the clear-cut nominee for the Democratic Party all through the primaries, despite having competition; he was never really challenged in the primaries. Due to the lack of competition I feel that Gore may be weaker in some facets of candidacy. Without having to really debate at a serious level I feel that Gore may have lost the opportunity to gain some valuable experience. In the end, primaries have done a wonderful job of bringing the best candidates to the top and earning their parties nomination for the Presidential election. This process is strengthened by divisiveness, which stimulates competition, and brings important information to the forefront. ...
