N.J. considers moving presidential primary to June

    A proposal to change New Jersey’s presidential primary date is getting a mixed reaction.

    Sen. Dick Codey pushed to have the Garden State’s presidential primary in February of 2008. He said moving it back to June doesn’t make sense.

     “Nowadays presidential candidates are basically decided by March at its latest, and for us to have our primary in June and think we’re relevant is absurd,” said Codey Thursday.

    But Rutgers political science professor Ross Baker said a June primary is a good idea because it doesn’t look like any Republican presidential candidate will break out of the pack early.

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

    “This thing could go the route, and it won’t be decided until very late. So the likelihood that New Jersey could be decisive in 2012 is very high,” said Baker.

     Gov. Chris Christie said if New Jersey helps decide the nominee it might increase the state’s clout in Washington.

     

     

     

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal