| March 2011 March Brings 2012 Madness
 The race for the White House is on. The Republican candidates may be slower getting out of the gates this time, but there are strong signs that before the end of April the serious contenders will officially announce their candidacies. The first presidential primary debate is only two months away. The early primary states are jockeying for position and the undeclared candidates are being less than quiet when visiting the states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. The state of Florida is holding firm with a primary date of January 31, 2012. This date is in violation of Republican and Democratic National Committee rules, which say only four states - Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada - can hold primary elections before the beginning of March. If Florida sticks with the date the state risks losing at least some of its delegates at the party convention and opens up the possibility of several states moving up their caucus or primary dates. Let the games begin. Back in Washington, the issue of government involvement, intervention and spending continue to remain front and center. As the federal government and states struggle with balancing their budgets, the president's actions stand in the spotlight. On the state level, the president is being watched as his Democratic political machine gets involved pushing union members to protest Republican efforts to curb their bargaining powers and pay more for their health and pension benefits. On the federal level, March 4 is looming - the date when the stop-gap measure that is currently funding the government expires. Both parties see a potential for political gain and peril in a government shutdown, depending on who gets the blame. With Congressional and presidential candidates looking ahead to 2012 this budget battle could set the stage for next year. Voters in a record 37 states chose new governors last year; there are only four governors' races in 2011. Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and West Virginia are the only states to choose governors this year. Legislative elections will be held in 2011 in Louisiana, Mississippi, Virginia and New Jersey. In each of these states, Democrats are vulnerable. U.S. House special elections will be held for California's 36th district and New York's 26th district in 2011. California's special election is tentatively scheduled for June of 2011. New York's has yet to be determined. DATES TO WATCH  March 1
Tea Party Convention Announces: "Freedomfest 2011" holds a press conference on the south steps of the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka to announce a Tea Party Convention in October.
March 3 Newt Gingrich goes to Atlanta and meets with Governor Nathan Deal to discuss federal regulations and how they impact state budgets. Newt Gingrich is close to announcing he is forming a presidential exploratory committee. Many will be watching what is happening in Atlanta to see what he says when he faces reporters.
March 4
President Obama travels to Miami for an education event promoting his innovation and investments agenda. Former Governor Jeb Bush will also attend this event. Obama will also headline a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee fundraiser.
March 5 Mitt Romney in NH to speak to Carroll Co. Republican Committee Lincoln-Reagan Dinner.
March 7 Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition forum: It is being billed as the first 2012 Presidential primary forum: Featuring Newt Gingrich, Herman Cain, Tim Pawlenty and Rick Santorum to speak at Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition's Spring Event.
March 8 President Obama travels to Boston for a fundraiser with Democratic leaders.
March 19-23 President Obama travels to Brazil, Chile, and El Salvador.
March 26 Conservative Principles Conference: Attendees include: Congressman Steve King, JimDeMInt, John Bolton, Rick Santorum, Herman Cain, Kayne Robinson (NRA), Matt Strawn (IA GOP Chairman) and Michelle Bachmann.
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