Rendell mounts push to move Pa. presidential primary up

[Freddie Stubbs]

A task force will examine the idea. The current date is so late that the state seldom plays a role in nominations.

By Amy Worden

Inquirer Harrisburg Bureau


HARRISBURG - The late spring date for Pennsylvania's presidential primary effectively eliminates the fifth-biggest electoral state from the nominating process, Gov. Rendell said yesterday in announcing the formation of a task force to study the timing of the primary and other election issues.

Rendell, reviving a proposal that has cropped up often over the years but has failed to gain any traction, said he would like to move the state's presidential primary from late April to late January or early February.

"Pennsylvanians are deprived of their rightful place in the selection of a nominee because of the lateness of the primary," Rendell said at a news conference.

The 13-member task force also will make recommendations on early voting, moving up the deadline for absentee ballots, improving the provisional-ballot process, and dividing electoral votes proportionately among the candidates.

more: http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/10410202.htm?1c

[bluestateguy]

1. I'm opposed

Pennsylvania gets plenty of attention in the general election and surely will again in 2008.

[RPM]

2. I'm for it...

I wish I could have voted for Dean when it still mattered....

As it was, everyone had already ordained Kerry as the man, thanks to the other states that had already voted.

Everyone should vote the same day or within a week of each other...

[hippiechick]

3. I think all the primaries should be on the same day.

That way all the candidates have a fair shot, and nobody is forced to drop out because they are insurmountably behind after only 4 or 5 states.

But that's JMHO.


:hippie:

[salin]

4. Or within a two week period

one third or more of all voters should not be disenfranchised from the primary process...

[realFedUp]

5. Let's move it up to next February and start in California

:-)

[rabid_nerd]

6. I want on the task force I'm SO FOR IT

...

[Supersedeas]

7. Why have staggered primaries at all - All Vote first Tues of July with

Convention in August to announce the results.