WASHINGTON (AP) — So much for pushing back the start of primary season.
Leapfrogging states aiming to increase their influence are threatening to push the first GOP contests into early January.
A Florida commission is expected to announce Friday that its presidential primary will be held Jan. 31, a move that could spark a stampede by Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina. Those states were granted special early voting status by both political parties.
The result could be a primary season that many believe starts too early, lasts too long and leaves voters weary long before the November general election.
Both political parties have tried to avoid a repeat of 2008 by delaying early presidential primaries and caucuses.
Source: Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press
