One hearing of the Bayh Subcommittee that I’ve not posted about before was held in 1972. The subject was the creation of a national primary system for presidential nominations. Here were the three alternatives discussed:
- A nationwide primary for each party in August of the election year. If nobody got over 40%, there would be a runoff between the top 2. (In other words, no more voting by conventions or convention delegates.)
- Five regional primaries held between March and July for delegates.
- Every state would be required to hold a party primary, caucus, or convention on the same date in July.