N.M. Democrats OK Switch From Primary to Caucus
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Hoping for more political clout, New Mexico Democrats voted Saturday to replace the state’s June presidential primary election next year with a presidential preference caucus in February.
Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson sought the change, which was approved by the Democratic State Central Committee.
“It’s to get New Mexico more visibility,” he said.
Nominees-to-be are often clearly identified by June, weakening the effect of the old springtime primaries. But Richardson got a state election law rewritten this year to give parties the caucus option.
The New Mexico plan still must be approved by the Democratic National Committee.
Terri Holland, deputy director of the state Democratic Party, said no date is set for the National Committee vote, but she expects “a speedy response.”
If the plan is approved, New Mexico will join Arizona, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Missouri and Delaware with presidential nominee selections on Feb. 3.
Opponents of the caucus plan cited the limited number of voting hours and the cost: $200,000 to $250,000, to be paid by the party.
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