In fact, there is a better way. It's called the Rotating Regional Primaries Plan. We urge Democrats and Republicans to adopt it at their national nominating conventions in August and September. Then the 50 states should throw in.

The plan's greatest virtues are that it would shorten the election season and put an end to the chaos of states leapfrogging each other to be the first to hold their primaries and caucuses in an election year. The current scrum caused Iowa to convene its caucuses Jan. 3, with the New Hampshire primary hot on its heels Jan. 8. In all, seven states voted in January, followed by the Super Duper Tuesday avalanche of 23 states Feb. 5.

This frontloading of the campaign puts tremendous pressure on candidates to raise tens of millions of dollars early in the contest. Those who can't don't have much of a chance, though Mike Huckabee, due to his evangelical Christian following, proved to be an exception.

In place of this free-for-all, the reform plan would divide the states into four regions - East, South, Midwest and West. Utah would be in the West region. One regional primary would be scheduled in each of the months of March, April, May and June. A lottery would decide the order in 2012, then in subsequent presidential election years the order would rotate. For example, the region that goes first in 2012 would go last in 2016, etc.

Iowa and New Hampshire would be allowed to keep their traditional spots as the first caucus and primary. That would preserve the ability of candidates without much money or name recognition to prove themselves in these small states that rely on in-person politicking.

This system isn't flawless. It would give candidates from states in the first regional primary an early advantage, for example. But it would ensure that each region would have its say, and it would favor more efficient campaigns.

Utah Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert, along with other state election officials, is right to push this plan. Let's get 'er done.