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Committee accepts House GOP proposal on
presidential primary
Rep. Gary Alexander,
R-Thurston County, issued this statement regarding his motion on behalf
of House Republicans to set Washington's 2008 presidential primary for
Feb. 19. The date was endorsed this afternoon by a nine-member committee
of elected government and political party officials.
"We reasoned February 19th would be the
best date to meet the expectations of the political parties, avoid the
February 5th feeding frenzy and make the state of Washington a player.
No other motions were made, and while some on the committee would have
liked an earlier primary, and some favored having it later, this date
ultimately won unanimous support.
"There was an effort made during the 2007 session to eliminate the
presidential primary and put all the decision-making in the hands of
precinct caucuses. House Republicans held firm and preserved the
presidential primary, believing members of the military and others who
could not attend caucuses should be able to participate in the
nominating process. And rather than ignore the primary results, state
Republicans have again agreed to assign a portion of Washington's
delegates based on the outcome. Together these decisions, including
today's agreement, represent a win for the people."
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