Sen. Patrick Bill Let Texans Decide the next Presidential Primary Winners by Moving TX Primary to February

I like this proposed bill from Texas State Senator Dan Patrick. Texas has NO say in picking the Presidential Nominees. By the time Texas votes in the Presidential Primaries, the race is usually over. Senator Dan Patrick has proposed a bill that will move the Texas Primary up to the beginning of February. This will give Texas a big say in who wins the Presidential race for the Democrat and Republican Parties. I argued for something like this during the last Presidential election, but many Republicans were too scared of the RNC getting mad at Texas so everyone settled with Texas having no say in the 2012 race. Florida, on the other hand, broke the RNC rules and had an early primary. Sure, the RNC got mad and penalized Florida, but Florida had a big say in the Presidential Primaries and changed the race. Texas should do the same. What is worse, getting the RNC mad at you or having no say in the next Presidential election?

Statement from Senator Dan Patrick:


Dan Patrick


Senator - District 7

For Immediate Release

February 8, 2013 Contact: Logan Spence, (512) 463-0107



SENATOR PATRICK MOVES TO MAKE TEXAS RELEVANT IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

AUSTIN - Today Senator Dan Patrick filed Senate Bill 452 that moves the primary date to the first Tuesday in February of even numbered years. The intent of the bill is to allow the people of Texas, in all parties, to have a stronger voice in the presidential election.

"I'm tired of other states, mostly smaller, picking the nominees for President," said Patrick. "Texas is the leading economic engine in the nation, has the second largest and fastest growing population in the country, and we reflect the broad spectrum of demographics in America," added Patrick.

"For far too long the race for President has been all but decided by the time Texans get a chance to cast their ballot," said Patrick. "SB 452 will ensure that Texas will now be a leading voice in determining who will lead our country," said Patrick.

If SB 452 passes, the filing deadline would move to the second week of November beginning with the 2014 elections. "I believe the people of Texas regardless of party affiliation will be in strong support of this legislation," stated Senator Patrick.

Official RPT Redistricting Update XI: It Is All Up To The Courts: June 26th Primary Election POSSIBLE

The following message is an official Texas Redistricting/Primary Election update from the Republican Party of Texas:

Redistricting Update XI: It Is All Up To The Courts

The fate of the redistricting maps now rests solely with the three-judge panel in San Antonio. As of the time of this update, a global agreement between all parties has not been reached relative to the Texas House and Texas Congressional districts. Therefore, the final decisions as to where the lines will be are in the hands of the three-judge panel. The panel set deadlines for parties to submit final briefs on various issues and that deadline has now passed. This now means that all the arguments are over and all we are waiting for now is for the Court to rule.

If the Court issues maps on or before March 3rd, then the May 29th primary date can be accomplished - assuming a re-opened filing period can be accomplished within a few days. If the Court issues new maps after March 3rd, then the next and final available primary date would be June 26th. To accomplish a June 26th primary, maps would still need to be issued by March 30th to meet the June 26th date.