Would moving primary put California at center stage?
AN EARLIER VOTE WOULD NOT GUARANTEE A DECISIVE ROLE IN CHOOSING PRESIDENT
By Philip J. Trounstine
California’s rush toward an early primary is swirling through the Legislature, and it looks like it will be a done deal within weeks. With support from both parties and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, it’s a near certainty that the state’s 2008 primary will be moved up from June, and that we’ll be voting Feb. 5 for presidential contenders next year.
That will put the contest for the largest bloc of delegates needed to win a party nomination at the front end of the nominating process, right after Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina — states that have conspired with the presidential contenders and party leaders to place themselves at the head of the calendar, defying all rationality.
