Starting early is more about raising money than anything else. If I don't announce early, someone else will get the big donations I need to battle the OTHER party.

It doesn't always work that way, but they are scared NOT to get a head start.

I'd LOVE to see a totally different selection process, where money is less of a factor and in which certain states didn't affect the entire way campaigns are run....and no formal campaigning until Summer before the election. Fat chance, huh?