Say what you will about this year's presidential candidates and the campaign thus far. If nothing else, the race in both parties offers us something unique as we approach Super Tuesday on Feb. 5: Two competitive races and a wide array of choices.

When Georgia and 23 other states hold primaries and caucuses that day, it could provide the final push toward selecting nominees for both parties, one of whom will become the 44th president next Jan. 20. And for the first time in recent memory, we can't say for sure who that will be.

On the Democratic side, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama are in a bitter fight for the nomination. Both have deep war chests and strong organizations, in a Democratic party that seems to be rebounding from its rudderless days as the minority.

Clinton says she offers an experienced hand at the helm, much of that time spent as first lady during her husband's two terms in office. Obama's hopeful message has energized young voters and African-Americans, two voting groups frequently turned off by the usual candidates.

Also still in the race, though trailing, is former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, whose strategy has been to stir up populist sentiments among blue-collar workers.

Though some differences between the candidates are evident, on most major issues they agree: Withdrawal of troops from Iraq and changes in foreign policy; providing health care for all Americans; and strengthening the middle class through economic policy.

On the Republican side, the choices are even more varied. Sen. John McCain is a respected maverick with strong foreign policy experience who appeals to independent voters, but at 71 might be considered too old by some. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, whose resume is as deep as his pockets, has surged in recent primaries on the strength of his pro-business economic message and vow to end illegal immigration through stricter enforcement.

Leading in the Georgia polls but fading elsewhere is former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who has touched the populist note on the GOP side. He remains the strongest social conservative in the race, while vowing to eliminate the income tax. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani has seen his early lead in the national polls melt away after weak showings in the early states. If he loses in Florida on Tuesday, he might be done.

And don't forget Texas Rep. Ron Paul, a long shot at best but the pick of libertarians with his small-government approach.

Republicans generally agree on a conservative economic policy that cuts taxes and limits spending; strong national defense and continuing the war on terrorism; and tighter security on our borders against illegal immigrants.

So far, the competitive races have led to huge voter turnouts in the early states, and that interest is likely to grow as the year goes on. Analysts expect a lot of voters to come out Feb. 5 here and elsewhere, which is a good sign. The more people become engaged and informed in our elections, the better our choices are apt to be, and the more responsive the candidates will become when they take office.

Of course, it's worth mentioning that the primary is merely a party function in that we'll be selecting the respective Democratic and Republican nominees. Anyone who doesn't feel tied to the major parties or their candidates, and those who may already be leaning toward independent or other party choices, are welcome to skip this round without being branded apathetic. You can jump back in this November when the real choices are made and all eligible voters are urged to take part.

And it's also worth noting that voters in some counties (though not Hall) will have other ballot choices involving local referenda, such as liquor-by-the-drink ordinances. As for the local and state races, the primary for those posts will be held in July, so there's plenty of time to focus on those campaigns once we know who will be running.

Some have criticized Georgia leaders for moving our primary to the same date as so many other states. True, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle of what amounts to a semi-national primary. But the notion that Georgia has blunted its influence in the election may be premature. While New York, California and Illinois loom as the big prizes on Feb. 5, Georgia ranks as the fourth largest state holding its primary that day. We should get our share of candidate visits and advertising money over the next week-plus.

But is it better to vote earlier or later? It's a crapshoot, really. Michigan and Florida both tried to move up in line and have been punished by having Democratic candidates boycott their primaries and the national party strip the state of its delegates. Dropping back later in the calendar, as some favor, can work if the races continue on, but that seldom is the case.

Take this year's campaign as an example. Even with hotly competitive contests on both side, it's likely the presumptive nominees, or at least clear front-runners, will emerge from Super Tuesday or shortly thereafter. Waiting until March or later is a gamble that may only pay off once in a generation. And the field of candidates will be pared down to a select few by then, offering fewer choices and less opportunity to back a dark horse.

On Feb. 5, each party will have thousands of delegates up for grabs, depending on who's counting, representing a huge chunk of what any candidate needs for the nomination. So it's safe to say that the big winners that day in both parties will be on a downhill slide to victory.

One way or another, Georgia will be a big part of that historic day. Early voting begins Monday, if you don't want to stand in line on Feb. 5. If you feel inspired or impressed by the candidates on this year's ballot, we hope you'll take the time to cast your vote as an important piece of that massive puzzle.