Caucus reshuffling considered

WASHINGTON – Democrats agreed Saturday to a plan that would shake up their presidential selection process by placing racially diverse states early in the voting.

One or two state caucuses would be moved ahead of New Hampshire under the plan the Democratic Party’s rules and bylaws committee accepted in principle. That could cause a confrontation with New Hampshire, traditionally the site of the nation’s first presidential primary.

“This was the crucial step,” said Alexis Herman, a co-chair of the committee. “Now we will have a debate on which states and the size of those states.”

Under the plan, accepted on a voice vote, the Iowa caucuses in January would remain the first contest for presidential candidates. Then would come the additional caucus or caucuses, followed by the New Hampshire primary. One or two more primaries would be added before the calendar was opened to all states.