“America’s greatest and strangest political secret is that, in the dead of the winter, the two parties have a brief signature gathering process and then each precinct (usually just the few streets around your home) elects a committeeman/woman. In Pennsylvania, just 10 signatures are required to be listed on the May 18 primary ballot. The signature gathering is from February 16 to March 9, hence the timing of this post. The May primary vote elects the precinct committeemen/women. These party precinct committee members then elect the party leaders, and the party leaders then pretty much decide which candidates to support and endorse and how to control funds on the local level. (Yes, it’s a little bit like a democratic mafia. Stay true to your principles.)” [editor’s note: Those dates and process details apply to Pennsylvania - TLK] (02/09/10)