The Times-Picayune, the daily newspaper of New Orleans, notes in this story that there are now more votes on the Americans Elect web page in support of Stephen Colbert for President than for Buddy Roemer. As the story says, Ron Paul continues leading the Americans Elect balloting.
On February 16, the New York Assembly Election Law Committee passed A9271, which moves the independent petition deadline from August to May. The bill also lowers the number of signatures for a candidate to get on a primary ballot by 25%, and shrinks the petitioning period for primary petitions from 38 days to 28 days. The bill does not change the number of signatures needed for independent candidates.
If the bill is signed into law in its present wording, it would be unconstitutional, because the independent petition deadline would not pass muster under Anderson v Celebrezze.
On February 16, the Missouri Senate passed SB 773 unanimously. For 2012, it moves the deadline for candidates to file in the non-presidential primary from March 27 to April 24. The House Elections Committee will hear the bill on February 20, even though that is a holiday. The reason for the bill is the uncertainty over redistricting. The primary date is August 7.
On February 16, the Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee passed HB 391, which abolishes the presidential primary. The bill has already passed the House. It takes effect immediately. The Idaho presidential primary is currently scheduled for May 15.
On February 16, the Georgia House Government Committee passed HB 949, which reduces petition requirements for minor party and independent candidates by approximately 25%.
