Bill moving Presidential Primary clears Senate

The State Senate has given unanimous approval to a measure moving Oklahoma’s presidential primary from February back to March. Sen. David Holt (R-Oklahoma City) is author of the measure which was approved on Tuesday. Holt said Senate Bill 808 ensures Oklahoma will not be excluded from the 2012 political conventions.

“Both the Republican and Democratic National Committees have adopted rules that allow only four states to continue to hold presidential primaries in February, 2012. Failure to comply would mean Oklahoma could not fully participate in either national convention,” said Holt. “SB 808 moves our state’s presidential primary to the first Tuesday in March, the earliest date allowed under the new rules.”

In 2003 the Legislature voted to move the presidential primary from March to February shortly after the New Hampshire primary, in order to attract more candidates to Oklahoma. Since that time, however, many other states have also opted for February primaries, diminishing the impact of the move. Under the new rules adopted by both parties, only Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada will be able to hold primaries in February.

“Moving our presidential primary to the first Tuesday in March will keep Oklahoma in compliance with the rules, ensuring full representation at the national conventions,” Holt said. “This move ensures we’ll remain relevant and on the candidates’ radar.”

SB 808 now goes to the House of Representatives for further consideration.