Rep. Alonzo Files Legislation Moving All Primary Elections To First Tuesday Of February

[Press Release from State Rep. Roberto R. Alonzo (D-Dallas)]
DALLAS–Texas State Representative Roberto R. Alonzo (D-Dallas) has filed legislation proposing to move all primary elections from March to the first Tuesday in February during presidential election years.  House Bill (HB) 993, which was filed on Tuesday by Dallas’ veteran legislator, proposes to move the Texas presidential primary to early February in 2008.  Similar proposals in California, Florida, Illinois, and New Jersey are currently pending.  The move by Texas–and its 34 electoral votes–would give the state a louder voice in nominating the presidential candidates of both parties.

“By filing HB 993, I think the State of Texas can have a more influential and much stronger say as to who the nominees for President of the United States will be, more so than we have had in decades past.  For decades, many smaller states like Iowa, South Carolina, New Hampshire, and others have had earlier primaries and as a result have played a much larger role than Texas in selecting our presidential nominees.  Once presidential candidates get the momentum from small, early wins, the outcome of the whole process is usually determined by the time the primaries are held in Texas.  Moving our primaries to early February would put us in the Super Tuesday category with so many other states and, most importantly, it would give Texas more clout in the nomination process.  Furthermore, the dramatic change in our state’s diverse demographics since the last census coupled with the fact that we are now one of the two largest states in the country, it makes sense that we acquire a stronger say in this process.  This bill is beneficial to both Democrats and Republicans alike,” said Rep. Alonzo.

“I am confident that HB 993 will gain bipartisan support, as it will put Texas in a prime position to enhance its political strength and clout in Congress.  At the same time, it will serve as an example of Texas’ genuine partnership across party lines.  It illustrates the benefits gained by all Texans when policymakers work together for the best interests of our state’s citizens,” concluded Rep. Alonzo.

State Rep. Alonzo has opened HB 993 for joint authorship and co-sponsorship, and it is gaining bi-partisan support.  Reps. Trey Martinez Fischer (D-San Antonio) and Leo Berman (R-Tyler) are Joint Authors.  Rep. Richard Raymond (D-Laredo) has signed on as a co-author to the bill.