Primaries

Each political party goes through a process of selecting a **nominee** that will represent the party in the general election. Parties hold a **primary election** in each state to determine that state's choice for the national party **nominee.** The first stage of a presidential campaign is the nomination campaign. At this time the candidate is competing with other candidates in the same party, hoping to get the party's nomination. The candidate works to win **delegates** --representatives who pledge to support the candidate's nomination at the national party convention--and to persuade potential voters in general.
 * THE PRIMARIES **


 * Primary Elections vs. Caucuses **
 * Primary elections ** are not held the same way in every state, and there are actually a variety of ways in which the **primary elections** can work. **There are two basic systems: the caucus system and the primary elections. Caucuses** and **primaries** are ways for the general public to take part in nominating presidential candidates
 * At a **caucus**, local party members gather to nominate a candidate. A caucus is a lively event at which party leaders and activists debate issues, consider candidates, choose delegates, and discuss the party platform, or statement of principles. The rules governing caucus procedures vary by state and party.

A **primary** is more like a general election. Voters go to the polls to cast their votes for a presidential candidate (or delegates who will represent that candidate at the party convention). These elections can be either **open** to all eligible voters in the state or **closed** only to registered members of the party, depending on the state. Primary elections are the main way for voters to choose a nominee. ||

Click on this link to see Republican tallies: http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2012/primaries.html