State Republican party chairs in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina have released a series of statements condemning Florida’s expected decision to move its primary into late January 2012. That move, if it happens, would force the early states to move their caucuses and primaries even earlier if they want to maintain the current order of contests. Iowa GOP chair Matt Strawn, New Hampshire chair Wayne MacDonald, Nevada chair Amy Tarkanian, and South Carolina chair Chad Connelly all pledge to do whatever is necessary to “ensure order” in the Republican nominating process, with Connelly going to far as to pledge that his state party will “refuse to let rogue states dictate the calendar.” The four statements:
Strawn:
The four sanctioned, early states have been very clear that we will move together, if necessary, to ensure order as outlined in RNC rules. If we are forced to change our dates together, we will.
MacDonald:
The New Hampshire Republican Party is proud to stand with Iowa, Nevada and South Carolina in honoring the rules of the RNC and the laws, traditions and beliefs of our respective states. We recognize that frontloading the political calendar is a disservice to the political process, our candidates and the voters. New Hampshire’s Secretary of State will make sure our state continues to play its critically important role in the presidential nominating process.
Tarkanian:
Nevada remains committed to achieving excellence in our First in the West caucus and we are undeterred by the prospect of moving the date, which we will do if New Hampshire moves theirs, as we are bound by rule to hold our caucus four days after New Hampshire’s primary. Florida’s possible decision to move its primary is disappointing and, frankly, disrespectful of the other early primary states and the process as a whole. Nevada stands proudly with the other early states, Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina in protecting the established process and representing the West. This situation gives Nevadans the opportunity to showcase our ability to adapt and establish our state as a major player in national politics.
Connelly:
Our four states are committed to protecting the integrity of the 2012 nominating process and we refuse to let rogue states dictate the calendar. Elections held just after New Year hurt voters and candidates by short circuiting the nominating process. Republicans deserve the chance to get to know every candidate. We must choose the right person to defeat Barack Obama.
