February 24, 2011 – According to the RNC, the next Presidential primary season begins February 1st, 2012. Florida legislature however states that the run for the Presidency begins January’s last Tuesday, the 31st of 2012. With Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada promised the “first announce” dates, the declaration by the Florida legislature is causing political muscles to be flexed.
If Florida’s date is not changed, and because of their commitments to IA, NH, SC, and NV, the RNC has threatened to once again halve Florida’s delegates in the presidential nomination convention. Florida Senate President and U.S. Senate hopeful Mike Haridopolos addressed the matter diplomatically:
“If they [the RNC] are willing to give us the 5th position in this race, then we would be happy to be adjusting the date.” – FL Senator Michael Haridopolos
Although the Republican National Committee has taken the hard line on their official date for the Primary season in the past, newly elected Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) was a bit more to the point regarding the RNC’s recent threat:
“If the RNC thinks the way to win Florida is to sanction the most important swing state in the country then good luck to them.”-U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)
A win in Florida is a significant hurdle for any Presidential hopeful, due to the weight the state holds in the Electoral College. FL Senator Mike Haridopolos pointed out that fact in his comments to reporters “The reason is clear because Florida is the ultimate mega-state and whoever wins Florida will most likely be the next President of the United States.”
Time will tell what the final decision on this issue will be, but with Iowa and New Hampshire insisting upon first honors, Florida’s flexing of political muscles could prove a sticking point for the RNC and general upheaval in a campaign season integral to the future plans of the Republican Party. Florida’s Independents have been looking for a party that will stand their beliefs, and the Republican Party needs the influx of Independents to secure a solid footing for the 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate. During his campaign, Rubio stated this fact plainly in his speeches to Republicans:
“The Republican Party is the natural home of the Tea Party, but it is not the eventual home… Our actions determine their support” -U.S. Senator Marco Rubio
The last thing disenfranchised Independents will want to see in Florida is further problems caused by antics and a battle over Primary season protocols.
This is one that will interesting to keep watch on.
