For the ninth time since it began holding America's first caucus in 1972, Iowa kicked off the presidential nominating process last week. Like many caucuses before, Iowa's caucuses came complete with the twists, turns and shifting momentum that have characterized its influence. It left some candidates reeling and others cheering. Despite the tradition that gives Iowa and New Hampshire their first-in-the-nation importance, the continued reliance on the early momentum from victories in these insular states only encourages a system that is long overdue for an overhaul.

For two states with just 11 of the 538 total Electoral College votes in the actual selection of the president, Iowa and New Hampshire have a lot of sway but reflect little of America's diversity. Despite the democratic fa