The state's caucus is always the <br />first major contest of the <br />U.S. presidential primary season.<br />Based off its demographics, <br />some critics claim another <br />state should have it.<br />In a 'Slate' discussion, journalist John Dickerson says Iowa being first is simply political tradition.<br />"It goes back to local parties and their traditions. If you’re running for office, and you think you’ve got a chance in Iowa, you suck up to the party, and you want Iowa to be the first", John Dickerson, via 'Slate'.<br />Back in 1972, Iowa <br />decided to start holding <br />its Democratic caucus first.<br />Four years later, it did the <br />same for Republicans.<br />Dickerson adds that candidates in the past have gotten the nomination while ignoring Iowa.<br />He also explains that voters can simply <br />not put too much stock in the state being first.<br />"People could just not put so much weight on Iowa. When somebody scores first in basketball, people don’t leave the stadium", John Dickerson, via 'Slate'
