To the ongoing assessment of our current procedures for nominating presidential candidates, John Geer brings historical perspective, a careful evaluation of the accumulating evidence, and much good sense. The result is a book that challenges widely held beliefs and that will instruct all those with an interest in presidential nominations, whether as reporters, candidates, students, or citizens. "Stanley Kelley, Jr., Princeton University"

In a clearly written and wide-ranging study Geer] presents a wealth of data and conclusions. Using often original criteria, Geer concludes that voters...