Silver Bill Would Move Presidential Primary To February 5

Measure Seeks to Give State Greater Voice in Candidate-Selection Process

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver announced today he will introduce legislation to change New York State's presidential primary date to February 5, 2008.

Silver believes by moving up the primary from March 4, New York State will be in a more strategically effective position to help select the best presidential candidates for the state and the nation.

In making the announcement, Silver noted California, Florida and other large states are also considering moving their primaries up to February 5. He added that with New Jersey contemplating shifting its primary to February 5, presidential candidates could realize a more effective use of advertising dollars in the large metropolitan media market.

"An earlier primary will link us with other influential states that have demographic, as well as public-policy issues and needs similar to New York State's. New York is more like America than most states. Diversity and variety abound in our state," Silver said. "New Yorkers should have an early voice in the selection of presidential candidates in order to have the appropriate input into this vital process of our democracy."

"As the third most populous state, New York is a significant force in the life of our nation and should have an early primary to reflect its national impact and importance," Assembly Election Law Committee Chair Keith Wright said.

Under terms of the legislation, presidential candidates would have from October 30 to December 6, 2007, to circulate petitions to be on the primary ballot. Petitions would be required to be filed December 3-6.