<Li> February 27: South Carolina Democratic primary </Li> <Li> March 1: Super Tuesday: Primaries / caucuses for both parties in several states </Li> <P> The first binding event, in which a candidate can secure convention delegates, is traditionally the Iowa caucus, usually held in late January or early February of the presidential election year . It is generally followed by the New Hampshire primary, the first primary by tradition since 1920 and by New Hampshire state law . New Hampshire law states the primary shall be held "on the Tuesday at least seven days immediately preceding the date on which any other state shall hold a similar election ." The Iowa caucuses are not considered to be "a similar election" under New Hampshire's law because the former uses caucuses instead of primary elections . Should any other state move its primary too close to New Hampshire's, or before, the New Hampshire Secretary of State is required to reschedule the primary accordingly . </P> <P> In recent elections, the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary have garnered over half the media attention paid to the entire selection process . After Iowa and New Hampshire, the front runners then attempt to solidify their status, while the others fight to become #2 . </P>

By tradition which state’s caucus is the first presidential contest held every four years