Hotline

From Friday's edition of The Hotline:

PRIMARY CALENDAR: Arizona Is The Surprise, Is It Not? More testament to Napolitano....

     According to Dem sources, four states -- SC, AL, NV and AZ -- remain in contention for a Jan. primary or caucus in 2008.
     NV and AZ are the caucus finalists; the caucus will be scheduled between IA and NH. AL and SC are the primary finalists; the primary will be scheduled right after NH (Hotline sources, 7/21).
     The party's rules and bylaws Committee meets Saturday in DC. Critical Dem constituencies "such as blacks and Hispanics" have "clamored" for a major role in "early primary voting," arguing that IA and NH "are hardly reflective of a diverse electorate." DNC RBC member Harold Ickes: "I was surprised by how deeply blacks and Hispanics feel they are not part of the process. I think it's a done deal." Hispanics make up more than 20 percent of the population in AZ and NV, and blacks comprise nearly 30 percent in AL and SC (Lester, AP, 7/21).

AZ: Smart To Reel In A Big Fish -- And Announce It The Day Before The Vote

     If AZ gets its caucus, "veteran political operative" Steve Hildebrand will "help organize" the contest. The signing "illustrates to what lengths states are willing to go demonstrate" how serious they are about being selected "for this early position" in the Dem pres. nominating calendar. AZ Gov. Janet Naplitano has personally lobbied members of the DNC's rules and bylaws committee, too ( ("Grind," CNN, 7/21).