California moves its primaries up to gain more national influence

The Associated Press

August 1, 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill to move California’s presidential primary from February to June next year in a money-saving move for the state.

Brown signed AB80 on Friday. Consolidating the presidential and regular statewide primaries is expected to save the state about $100 million.

California had tried to increase its political influence in 2008 by shifting the presidential primary to Super Tuesday. However, the shift cost state taxpayers about $97 million.

Assemblyman Paul Fong, D-Cupertino, said his bill will increase voter turnout by reducing the number of statewide elections.

Several Republicans had suggested the presidential and regular primaries should be moved to March to give California more clout in the Republican nominating process.

The Daily Texan

The Daily Texan

The Daily Texan

California moves its primaries up to gain more national influence

The Daily Texan