New Hampshire has scheduled its first-in-the-nation presidential primary for the second Tuesday in January, finally giving candidates a concrete calendar after months of uncertainty.
CONCORD, N.H. (WACH, AP) -- New Hampshire has scheduled its first-in-the-nation presidential primary for the second Tuesday in January, finally giving candidates a concrete calendar after months of uncertainty.
The Jan. 10 date announced by Secretary of State Bill Gardner Wednesday had been widely expected since Nevada Republicans voted last month to shift their presidential caucuses to early February, ending what had become a bitter standoff among rival states. Gardner had warned that Nevada's initial decision to hold its contest in mid-January could force New Hampshire to vote in early December.
Iowa will vote a week ahead of New Hampshire, with South Carolina voting January 21. Florida will vote on January 31, and Nevada will follow wrapping up the early primaries.
Supporters say this creates a buffer between the excitement of the Sunshine State's primary and puts a focus back on South Carolina's choice.
Holding an early primary maximizes time with the candidates in the state.
"Anybody who wants this prize of being president has to come to South Carolina and has to do well," State GOP Chariman Chad Connelly stated.
During the last presidential campaign, Gardner waited until Nov. 21 to set the Jan. 8 date.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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