Idaho GOP Approves Early Primary

Idaho Republicans want a say in the presidential nominations, so they’re changing when their primary election will be held throughout the state.

The decision comes after delegates realized their votes didn’t count toward choosing the nations presidential candidates in 2008.

Recently, the Republican Party changed its election process to closed primary voting in Idaho. The GOP wants to make an impact.

Seven representatives from each of the 44 counties in Idaho showed up to Moscow to vote on changes to Idaho’s caucus. The vote was nearly unanimous.

“Well, Idaho has not really had a voice in the presidential election. By the time it gets to Idaho with our primary system here, the Republican and Democratic parties have basically been chosen,” said Dr. Don Schanz, chairman of the Bonneville County Republicans.

The reason for this change is the republicans in Idaho didn’t feel they had a voice, but now with 32 delegates behind one presidential candidate, they feel they will be heard.

“We will have at the convention 32 delegates, which is more than Nevada, more than New Hampshire, and more than Iowa. We will be in the middle states in terms of all 50 states. This allows us to have some significant input because we will be a prize,” said Schanz.

The old system allowed 24 delegates to use a soft vote, which meant they could change their vote if they chose to do so. Now they can change their vote only if the second-round candidate changes.

“People will pay attention to us where they have not in the past. They paid attention to New Hampshire and Iowa, but now they are going to be paying attention to Idaho,” said Schanz.

This change for the Republican Party means citizens votes will weigh heavier on the presidential election.

The caucus will take place on the first Tuesday in March, adding Idaho to the list of states that take part in a Super Tuesday caucus.