Rendell wants early Pa. presidential primary in 2008

[Freddie Stubbs]

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Ed Rendell, targeting New Hampshire's premier status in a procession of early presidential primaries that he called "disgraceful," said Wednesday he will push to hold Pennsylvania's 2008 presidential primary alongside the earliest primary set by any other state.

Rendell, who served as general chairman of the Democratic National Committee in 2000, said Pennsylvania's April 27 primary is so late that the state will be irrelevant to the outcome of the nine-way race for the Democratic nomination, even though it is considered a swing state in the general election.

"In the general election, we're crucially important," he said. "But in selecting the nominees, which is the vital part of the process, we have no say at all."

Rendell said he will propose to the Legislature next year that, starting in 2008, Pennsylvania hold its presidential primary — separate from the primary for other offices — on the earliest date that any other state sets for a presidential primary. It would not be affected by states that hold presidential caucuses.

more: http://www.pennlive.com/newsflash/pa/index.ssf?/base/politics-0/107411544136860.xml

It's about freaking time! Perhaps I will finally get to vote in a presiential primary that will be relevant.

[Bombtrack]

1. He's right.

It makes no sense to have BOTH IO and NH as the most important and/or earliest states.

2 overwhelmingly white, rural, and uncomplex states.

PA has 2 major metros and a big rural area in between

It's population is really more typical of the rest of the country's population than NH and IO

[9119495]

4. True on every count but it woudl be too expensive to run there.

Those big urban markets would make it so only an independently wealthy candidate could get an early start--or one that gets $2000 checks. I agree there are problems with the system, but without free air time, how do we fix them?

[Freddie Stubbs]

7. How about a candidate who can raise tons of money on the Internet?

Perhaps someday that will happen. ;)

[9119495]

9. Right, but Dean had inspired people first by his retail politicking-not ad

buys

[Freddie Stubbs]

10. But he raised the money well before the primaries

He started pulling it in last spring and summer.

[Lost and Confused]

2. Besides it will help him when he runs in '08

[bearfartinthewoods]

3. yeah...and maybe get a chance to meet one or two of them.

[beyurslf]

5. I agree. I don't know why Iowa has such a high place in the picking proces

Is anyone there not White, Christian, and rural?

[cindyw]

6. Heah Rendell it's for 2012.

Nice vote of confidence in your party there Ed.

[Freddie Stubbs]

8. Primaries are held regardless of whether or not there is an incumbent

And sometimes even those are contested. Ed Kennedy challenged Carter in 1980.