New York Harshes On California's Mellow

New York and Florida lawmakers on Wednesday approved shifting their presidential primaries to Feb. 5 - joining California, Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah and West Virginia to create a Super Dooper Tuesday. Illinois and New Jersey could join as well.

New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer is expected sign the legislation. In Florida's case, the House of Representatives voted to move the primary to Feb. 5 or seven days after the New Hampshire primary, whichever comes first. The Florida Senate now "stands in the way" of the legislation. Stay tuned.

New York's decision adds another big state that could dilute California's influence in the early primary and give a political boost to two specific candidates. From the AP: "The New York primary had been set for March 4, but the earlier date was sought by Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor, and also supported by Sen. Hillary Clinton. The two New Yorkers lead national polls in the race for the Republican and Democratic presidential nominations."

The last time California moved its primary to an earlier date, from June to March, the experiment generally failed. The Assembly Republican Caucus says campaigns "became more expensive, voters lost interest, and qualified candidates did not run because they were forced to make a decision about running more than a year in advance before the general election. ... Finally, the early primary made it more difficult for the media and the voters to hold candidates accountable for statements or actions made during the primary contest."

Bummer.

Nevertheless, there has been an increase in candidate activity in California. Hillary Clinton comes to California on Saturday and Sunday - to collect campaign money. No public events are planned.

(Photo: Arne Dedert / EPA)