challenge to New Hampshire's first-primary status was averted yesterday, as Delaware Republicans said they would scrap plans for a presidential primary and would hold a caucus instead.
By tradition, New Hampshire has held the first presidential primary in the nation. And by law, the state has mandated that its primary be held at least a week before any other.
But in 1996 Delaware held a primary just four days after the Granite State's. New Hampshire has urged presidential candidates to pledge not to participate in the Delaware contest or allow their names to be placed on Delaware's ballot.
Yesterday, the Delaware Republican chairman, Basil Battaglia, conceded defeat. He said Delaware Republicans would hold a caucus on Feb. 12, and he said the state should consider participating in a regional primary, along with Maryland and Pennsylvania, rather than continue to challenge New Hampshire on its own.
''To continue with a primary that almost every major candidate in both parties is boycotting accomplishes very little,'' Battaglia said. ''Under current law, it is very possible the current front-runner won't even be on our ballot.''
Battaglia also said the primary would cost taxpayers too much money, $825,000, for too little return. Nevertheless, Delaware Democrats said they still plan to hold a primary vote, even though Vice President Al Gore and former New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley will not campaign there.
New Hampshire Secretary of State William Gardner is expected to set the date of the Granite State's primary soon. Yesterday, he said the latest it would be is Feb. 8, 2000.
