Five key states, great women (progressive) political bloggers. As we near ever closer to primary season, all politics becomes local. It’s worth paying attention to primary states because not only do they help decide the nominee, they get to meet the candidates, a lot. For a full calendar of the Democratic primaries, click here. And here’s a great primer on why primaries matter, Here are state-based political bloggers I’ve just put on my RSS feed:

Iowa

Caucus date: Thursday, January 3. 57 delegates at stake.

Bleeding Heartland, a progressive group blog.

I love EssentialEstrogen.

Rock on, WomenforPeace, Iowa.

Journalist Charlotte Eby.

Iowa Ennui has a good post on the role of political blogs in the Caucus here/

New Hampshire

Primary date: Tuesday, January 8, 30 delegates at stake. For more, see BlogNet News NH

The Carbon Coalition blog covers the Primary from a climate change lens.

Cow Hampshire is a history blog that adds depth to Primary coverage, plus a section on NH women of merit.

Jessica is an Edwards staffer in NH and covers campaign events with great spirit

If you know good NH bloggers, comment please!!

Michigan

Primary date: Tuesday, January 15. 0 delegates at stake because the Michigan Democratic Party defied the national Party.

StoneSoupMusings.

Group blog Michigan Liberal with the excellent Julielyn Gibbons as one of the main bloggers. (If you’re really interested in getting involved in Michigan politics, check out MichLib Local.

Julielyn also writes Liberal, loud and proud.

Our Michigan from Celeste shares local stories.

Nevada

Primary date: Saturday, January 19. 33 delegates at stake.

Taylor Marsh is a radio host and blogger out of Las Vegas

Reno journalist Anjeanette Damonwrites a great blog on Nevada politics

Reno and its discontents is my new favorite blog- and she’s a BlogHer! Who are you, Myrna the minx?

Sin City Siren is also worth a good read

South Carolina

Primary date: Saturday, January 26. 54 delegates at stake.

South Carolina blogs like Big Fat Liberal have Steel Magnolias' character

Not Very Bright: (I don’t know if the author is male or female, but it’s a really enjoyable blog; great coverage of Obama/Oprah event in S.C yesterday)

Shrimp and Grits is written by a couple, this blog by educators who protest the Godification of science and science education is a good insight into red state controversy.

Bluekat is “depressed Democrat single southern woman living in the most infamous red town in the most infamous red state in the nation.” Sing it, sister!

More states to come, and please add to the list!

PS: A great new site for women and politics has launched: it’s a little cute but it has a fantastic candidate comparison tool.