National Archives Holds Program on Presidential Primary Reform January 31
Press Release · Thursday, November 29, 2007

Back Rooms to Ballot Boxes: Primary Reform, the People, and the Press

Washington, DC…On Thursday, January 31, at 7 p.m., the National Archives will host a panel discussion on Presidential primary reform. Newseum Producer Frank Bond will moderate a panel including former McGovern-Fraser Commission lead researcher Ken Bode and American Conservative Union president David Keene. The program is free and open to the public, and will be held in the William G. McGowan Theater in the National Archives Building on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC.

Major primary reform in the 1970s ushered out an era of political power brokers deciding the fate of candidates. What happened 30 years ago that fundamentally changed the nature of Presidential elections? How have big money, political ads, and blogs influenced primaries? How well have journalists helped voters understand the election process? And why do we have so many primaries and caucuses with New Hampshire and Iowa leading the pack? The National Archives in partnership with the Newseum is pleased to present a program that explores the history of the primary system, citizen participation, and the impact of the media.

The National Archives is fully accessible. To request an accommodation (e.g., sign language interpreter) for a public program please e-mail public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 two weeks prior to the event. To verify the date and times of the programs, the public should call 202-357-5333 or view the Calendar of Events online.

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For Press information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs Staff at 202-357-5300.

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