The Nation - News from May 9, 1986

Two prominent Democrats warned Congress that the 1988 presidential election could erupt in chaos because of the rush by some states to hold primaries as early as possible. Former Democratic National Chairman Charles T. Manatt said 25 states want primaries or caucuses in the last three weeks of March, and pollster Patrick Caddell said that number means that between 60% and 70% of delegates to the party’s national convention would be elected by March 31. The result, they said, could be a party hopelessly deadlocked or with an extremist becoming the front-runner.