Western Governors Support Regional Presidential Caucus/Primary

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Western Governors Support Regional Presidential Caucus/Primary to Increase Western States' Influence in Elections

SANTA FE, N.M., June 21 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Western governors today called for a regional presidential caucus and primary in the West to draw attention to regional issues and increase their states' influence in future presidential elections.

"A 2008 regional caucus will strengthen the role of Western states in the presidential nominating process and will focus attention on the region's unique issues, including public lands, energy, immigration, water and tribal concerns," said Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico, chairman of the Western Governors' Association, who sponsored the resolution adopted by the governors.

The governors, who are participating in the Western Governors' Association's annual meeting in Santa Fe, passed unanimously today the Western primaries resolution.

"We will make a difference with a regional primary or caucus," said Gov. Olene Walker of Utah. "The primary reason is we want our issues heard across the country. It's time that Western issues come to the forefront."

Gov. Bill Owens of Colorado, the incoming chairman of WGA, said that he would appoint a working group quickly to prepare for the 2008 elections.

"We have two legislative sessions at most to do this," he said. " But the benefits for the West are substantial."

Dr. Larry Sabato, director of the Center for Politics, briefed governors on the history of the primary and caucus system, the problem with frontloading and new ideas for bringing fairness to the system....MORE >

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=151-06212004