As a total of 17 candidates (so far) for the presidency in 2008 trudge their way toward the starting gate in January, in what arguably will be the most frenetic competition ever, two men who have run and lost deserve to be listened to on what needs to be done to rescue a disastrous primary-election process.

It?s too late to do anything about the impending procedural train wreck next year, in which 20 or more states have rushed to the front of the 2008 calendar with their primary and caucus elections, seeking political influence, publicity and profit.