Democratic presidential hopefuls pose prior to a debate in Columbia, South Carolina, in May. From left to right are: Rep. Dennis Kucinich, of Ohio; Rep. Dick Gephardt, of Missouri; the Rev. Al Sharpton, of New York; Senator Joe Lieberman, of Connecticut; former Senator Carol Moseley-Braun, of Illinois; former Governor Howard Dean, of Vermont; Senator John Edwards, of North Carolina; Senator Bob Graham, of Florida; and Senator John Kerry, of Massachusetts. (Photo: Mary Ann Chastain/AP Wide World)

While the Hawkeye and Granite states are still first in line this primary season, they will now share the spotlight with South Carolina. A major Southern state, South Carolina moved its primary date to February 3—just one week after New Hampshire. Although five other states will also hold their primaries or caucuses on that day, South Carolina hopes the earlier primary date will make it a new focus of candidate attention.

For the candidates, adding a diverse Southern state like South Carolina could be a good thing. South Carolina is significant as a representative of the South. It has a diverse population, unlike Iowa and New Hampshire, where the population is almost entirely white. In South Carolina, nearly half of the voters in the Democratic primary are expected to be African-American. As a candidate, you will have to broaden your initial campaign messages.

Another plus for candidates is that TV ads in South Carolina won't break your piggybank. And you can travel the entire state by car from east to west in just four hours.

With no clear front-runners, South Carolina is wide open for competition. Candidate Richard Gephardt of Missouri appears to be a favorite in Iowa, while New Englanders John Kerry and Howard Dean look to have an edge in New Hampshire. Everyone will have their sights set on taking the Palmetto State, and so should you.

Don't let this one slip away. Start making your reservations today!