WASHINGTON — The next 100 days on the presidential campaign trail promise a whirlwind of back-to-back debates, numerous appearances around the country - and, oh yes, primaries and caucuses slated to begin Jan. 3 in Iowa.
The jam-packed schedule is certain to make the busy summer and fall of campaigning seem like a breeze.
The Democratic candidates will debate Thursday in Las Vegas before attending a state party fundraising dinner that night. Republicans will head to Florida for the CNN-YouTube debate on Nov. 28.
At least four debates are planned for December with the matchups taking place in Iowa, Massachusetts and California.
Democrats are scheduled to debate Dec. 4 in Iowa, then again six days later in Los Angeles. Republicans are scheduled to meet Dec. 3 in Iowa.
The GOP candidates will have one less debate to worry about in December.
A planned debate sponsored by the Republican Party of Iowa and Fox News on Dec. 4 has been scrubbed because key candidates declined to attend, party leaders said.
Party spokeswoman Mary Tiffany said former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee quickly committed to appear, but there was silence from the other candidates. When former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney told party leaders on Wednesday that he would not attend, Fox decided to cancel the event, Tiffany said.
Major campaign events happen almost daily in January.
After the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 3, Wyoming Republicans hold their caucuses two days later. The New Hampshire primary, which has not been set, could follow on Jan. 8. Republicans could have back-to-back debates on Jan. 9 and 10.
Michigan's primary is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 15, just ahead of South Carolina, Nevada and Florida, which round out the early voting states for January.
Early February is a busy time for voting.
Maine Republicans lead the pack with a caucus on Feb. 1. More than 20 states plan to hold their nominating contests on Feb. 5. Hawaii, Louisiana and Maryland are just a few of the remaining states who also have February contests.
And all this amid fundraising deadlines. The next one is Jan. 31.