Secretary of state wants to hold earlier presidential primary

Many of us know that the Democratic party in this state allocates delegates at the caucus not the primary. This is noted later in the article.

OLYMPIA — Washington intends to conduct a presidential primary in 2016, though it is not certain when.

Republican Secretary of State Kim Wyman wants to hold it in early March rather than late May, as now scheduled.

Doing so could increase the state's clout in the national nominating process of those seeking to become the nation's next leader, she said.

But moving it up requires Wyman getting agreement from leaders of the Democratic and Republican parties. Republicans want to do it but Democrats are openly hostile to even holding the primary, saying it's not worth the $11.5 million it will cost the state.

Washington canceled the primaries in 2012 and 2004, citing budget reasons.

“The funds allotted for a primary election would be better spent on education, health care, higher education and jobs,” said Jamal Raad, spokesman for the state Democratic Party.

Wyman said she's hopeful she can change their minds. She said she doesn't think Democrats want to be perceived as obstructing voters' ability to influence who will represent the parties on the ballot.

“People in February and March are going to expect to vote on their nominee for the president of the United States,” she said. “I think we all can agree that the end of May will not be all that meaningful.”


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http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20150709/NEWS01/150709252