On July 10, the Pennsylvania House passed HB 289 by a vote of 117-85. It moves the primary (for all office) from April to February 12. Generally, Democrats voted for the bill and Republicans voted against it. It now goes to the Senate.

Moving the primary for all office in Pennsylvania has no effect on the petition deadline for minor party and independent candidates. That deadline would continue to be August 1. But if the bill passes, Democrats and Republicans would be required to collect their primary petitions (which never exceed 2,000 signatures) in December of the year before the election.

Jerome Corsi recently said he will not seek the Constitution Party presidential nomination. Corsi apparently felt running for president would interfere with promoting his latest book, “The Late Great USA”, which is already a best-seller. Thank to Austin Cassidy’s Third Party Watch for this news.

On July 13, a USA Today/Gallup Poll was published. 58% say the two major parties are doing “such a poor job” that a third party is needed. Only 33% say the two major parties “do an adequate job of representing the American people.”

The same poll found that in a two-person race with Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani, the results are: Clinton 50%, Giuliani 46%, undecided or other 4%.

But with possible independent candidate Mike Bloomberg in the race, the results are: Clinton 45%, Giuliani 39%, Bloomberg 12%, other and undecided 4%. Thanks to Tom Jones for this news.