At Politico, Ben Adler reports that student campaigners in Iowa are concerned that the probable holiday-time caucus date of the first week of January -- the GOP has already settled on Jan. 3 -- will depress student turn-out. Colleges and universities are on winter break and many dormitories will be closed, making it harder for out-of-state students to caucus. The calculus is different for various candidates: Obama, who enjoys heavy support on campuses, is encouraging Iowa students to caucus at home with their parents, in districts where their votes are more likely to make a difference. Edwards, on the other hand, is less popular in college towns, and so some of his young supporters are planning to caucus there. What occurs to me though, is that the early January caucus date isn't just inconvenient for students, but for everybody. It's a stressful time of year, marked by the comings and goings of guests, trips out of state, and yes, the immodest consumption of alcohol. It'll be interesting to see if turnout holds steady from past years. UPDATE: Our very own GFR was all over the troubles an early caucus date would pose to young voters in August, while I was on an extended leave from work. Go Prospect! --Dana Goldstein
