New Jersey Presidential Primary to be Moved to Early 2008

New Jerseyans may finally get a say in selecting the Republican and Democratic presidential nominees, thanks to a potential change in the state's primary date. Senate President Richard Codey, D-Essex, aims to move the election to the beginning of the campaign, two weeks after the New Hampshire primary, which would be the earliest date allowed by the political parties. This change is a response to the national Democratic Party's recent move to advance the Nevada caucus and South Carolina primary to late January. By shifting the date, New Jersey's primary would have more significance, potentially drawing more attention to the state's issues, such as taxes and air pollution.

Key Takeaways:

The New Jersey presidential primary may be moved to the first Tuesday in February, two weeks after the New Hampshire primary, to increase the state's impact in the presidential selection process.
The move is intended to address the national Democratic Party's recent change in scheduling the Nevada caucus and South Carolina primary to late January, which could give New Jersey a more prominent role.
New Jersey ranks eighth in donations to presidential candidates but last in attention paid by them, indicating a potential for greater influence through an earlier primary.
The change would only affect the state's presidential primary, not its other primary races, which would still be held in June.
An earlier primary could bring more attention to New Jersey's issues, such as taxes and air pollution.

Statistics:

New Jersey ranks eighth in donations to presidential candidates.
New Jersey ranks last in attention paid by presidential candidates.
The proposed move would be the earliest date allowed by the political parties.
The move would not affect the state's other primary races, which would still be held in June.

Sources:

[No direct source provided in the text; however, this information is assumed to be from news reports or public statements from Ricahrd Codey]