TDP Chair Boyd Richie Praises House Vote to Move Texas Primary
February 5th Primary will boost Texas Influence in Presidential Race
Below is a statement from Texas Democratic Party Chair Boyd Richie on the State House passage of HB 2017, legislation to move the 2008 primary election from March 4th to February 5th. HB 2017, which has been endorsed by both the Democratic and Republican State Parties, was approved last night with bipartisan support from members of the Texas House.
"By supporting an earlier primary election date, the House has moved Texas one step closer to becoming a real proving ground on the road to the White House. I am pleased that Members of both parties have come together to pass legislation giving all Texas voters, regardless of political affiliation, a greater voice in the presidential nomination process.
With a number of other large states taking steps to move up their primary elections, both the Democratic and Republican nominees for President could potentially be decided before the 2008 Texas primary, currently scheduled for March 4th. And as the second most populous state in the country, Texas should not be shut out of the presidential selection process.
Texas Democrats have consistently supported election-related measures that afford our state's voters a greater impact on the political process, and I commend Democratic State Representatives Roberto Alonzo, Helen Giddings, Trey Martinez Fischer, Richard Raymond and Sylvester Turner, who have taken the lead in ensuring Texas voters are not left behind in 2008. Additionally, I have discussed this matter with Texas DNC members, State Democratic Executive Committee members, county chairs, precinct chairs and Democratic grassroots activists, all of whom would like to see presidential candidates spend more time addressing the issues of concern to Texas voters.
Increasing our state's prominence on the national political stage is not a Democratic or Republican issue, but a Texas issue. I hope that Members of the Senate and State Affairs Committee Chair Robert Duncan will give swift consideration to this bill and ensure Texas voters are more than an afterthought for presidential candidates of both parties."
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