Essential Estrogen

The Iowa Caucuses (if held to the calendar set by the DNC) are exactly one year away. For some political geeks, that seems an eternity. Still, there are quite a few happenings between now and then.

Jan. 31 - FEC Deadline

Deadline for the campaign committees of House and Senate candidates, presidential candidates who established their committees last year, and national party organizations to file their 2006 year-end campaign finance reports with the Federal Election Commission.

Feb. 1-3 - DNC winter meeting

The Democratic national Committee holds its winter meeting in Washington, D.C.

Feb. 5 - 2006 Election Report

The Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy at Brigham Young University will release findings from its study of the 2006 midterm election at an event in Washington, D.C.

Feb. 21 - Presidential Candidate Forum

A Democratic presidential candidate forum will be held in Carson City, Nevada. The event is sponsored by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

March 1-3 - Conservative Political Action Conference

The American Conservative Union Foundation will hold the annual Conservative Political Action Conference at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

March 10 - Clinton at 100 Club Dinner

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton will speak at the annual 100 Club dinner of the New Hampshire Democratic Party in Nashua.

March 15 - Pres. Bush at NRCC fundraiser

The National Republican Congressional Committee (coordinates the party's national House campaigns) fundraising dinner in Washington, D.C., featuring an appearance by Pres. G.W. Bush.

March 24 - Democratic Candidate Forum

A forum for Democratic hopefuls, focusing on healthcare issues, in Las Vegas. Sponsors are the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the Center for American Progress.

April 4-5 - Presidential Candidate Debates

Democratic and Republican presidential candidates to debate in New Hampshire. CNN, WMUR-TV and The Union Leader newspaper are sponsoring.

April 12-15 - MPSA Convention

The Midwest Political Science Association annual convention at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago.

April 26 - Democratic Presidential Canddiate Debates

Democratic hopefuls debate in South Carolina. MSNBC is the sponsor.

May 15 - Republican Presidential Candidate Debates

Republican hopefuls debate in South Carolina. Fox News is the sponsor.

Aug. 19 - IDP/ABC Candidate Forum

The Iowa Democratic Party will co-sponsor a forum for presidential canddiates with ABC News. It will air live on "This Week" with George Stephanopoulus.

Aug. 30 - Sept. 2 - APSA annual meeting

The American Political Science Association annual meeting at the Hyatt Regency and Sheraton hotels in Chicago.

Nov. 2 - Democratic Presidential Candidate Debate

The Nevada Democratic Party will host this debate in Las Vegas.

So, did anyone else notice something missing from all of this activity? Where the hell is Iowa?!