In the past 40 years, primaries have become more important in selecting nominees than the conventions. On today’s Backstory, Linda L. Fowler focuses on the role primaries play in the nomination process, and explains how early primary states force candidates to focus on certain issues. Plus, we discuss the changes to the 2008 primary schedule, and how these changes will affect the campaign strategies. Linda L. Fowler is Professor of Government and the Frank J. Reagan ’09 Chair in Policy Studies at Dartmouth College.