The New York State Senate passed legislation Wednesday that would move New York State's presidential primary vote up one month from March 4, 2008 to Feb. 5, 2008.

"New York State has historically had tremendous influence in the arena of presidential politics," said Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, bill sponsor. "More and more, we see that other states are moving their presidential primary dates earlier on the calendar. Changing New York's primary date to February will provide voters with an early voice in the selection of presidential candidates and restore New York's input into choosing the most important office of our democracy."

"New York is one of the most influential states in the Union in almost every category except picking presidential candidates," said Sen. Joseph A. Griffo (R,C-Rome), Chairman of the Senate Elections Committee. "Moving up our primary date puts us in the epicenter of the political landscape. It will bring candidates to our state and force them to speak on the record about issues of importance to New Yorkers."

Numerous states have already moved, or are considering moving, their presidential primary to an earlier date. Other influential states that have similar demographic profiles and similar public policy issues to New York State's are contemplating shifting their primaries to Feb. 5. The bill is identical to legislation introduced in the Assembly.

The change in the date of the primary would also result in a change in the timeframe for circulating and filing presidential petitions. Potential candidates could circulate petitions from Oct. 30 to Dec. 6, 2007 and would be required to file them with the Board of Elections Dec. 3 through Dec. 6, 2007.

The bill (S.3544) was sent to the Assembly. 3-21-07

© 2007 North Country Gazette