That’s what we might need if the current trend continues.

South Carolina is poised to hold its Republican presidential primary earlier than Feb. 2, 2008, likely in mid-January, a move that is expected to push New Hampshire and Iowa to follow suit.

Such shifts could mean the first GOP nominating contest could take place in December of 2007, in just four months.

How early are they all planning to go in this game of reverse leap frog?

One place that no politician will call for retreat is in the face of political influence. Unless common sense suddenly comes in to play, a circumstance that doesn’t have much historical precedent behind it, you have to wonder how much longer and more ridiculous they can make the process.

If this continues, the first primary of the 2012 elections will be held on November 11th 2008.