Michigan State Senator David Robertson (R-Grand Blanc) has introduced SB 44. It moves the presidential primary from February to the middle of March. If Michigan doesn’t pass this bill, or a similar bill, its presidential primary will not be recognized as legitimate by the Republican and Democratic national committees. Thanks to Josh Putnam for the news.
On January 27, the Nebraska National Popular Vote bill was tabled in committee. The bill, LB 112, had been introduced by Senator Tyson Larson (R-O’Neill).
BBC, host of the first two British election debates being held in April 2015, won’t expand the list of invited parties other than the seven it already invited. See this story. Thanks to Thomas Jones for the link.
Illinois Representative Scott Drury (D-Highwood) has introduced HB 193. It would move the Illinois primary (including the presidential primary) from March to the 4th Tuesday in June.
Illinois and Texas are the only states in the nation in which non-presidential primaries are earlier than April. If the Illinois bill were to pass, there would be no effect on petition deadlines for independent candidates and the nominees of unqualified parties. Thanks to Josh Putnam for this news.
On January 26, Democratic State Representative Keith English, who represents Missouri’s 68th district, said he is leaving the Democratic Party and becoming an independent. See this story.
At the November 2014 election, English was re-elected as a Democrat with 6,758 votes. His only opponent, Republican Becky Sharma, received 3,435. Thanks to Michael for the link.
