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In the tumultuous world of national politics, residents of the Intermountain Region need all the clout they can muster. That’s why the idea of Western states joining together to hold a presidential primary election early in 2008 makes a lot of sense.
Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, a republican, and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a democrat, got together a couple of weeks ago in Santa Fe to demonstrate rare bipartisan support for the idea. They even offered a specific date: February 5, 2008.
The value of such an exercise is validated by reflecting on the last couple of presidential elections. How much attention did western issues receive? How many candidates came to the region in search of support? What influence, if any, did citizens in the West have with those who sought the nation’s highest office?
On the other hand, consider what would likely happen with a strategically scheduled Western primary. Candidates for the presidency would, of necessity, visit the region and address local issues. Instead of being out of the game, as is now the case, Utah and neighboring states would collectively become important players in the presidential sweepstakes.
KSL encourages Governors Huntsman and Richardson to continue pushing the idea with vigor….and we urge other states in the region to jump onboard.
