State Republican party leaders want Florida to be the fifth presidential primary–behind Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina. The Republican National Committee set forth that only these states can hold primaries or caucuses before March 6 without being penalized by losing half their delegates. That plan has been challenged by Arizona which recently set its primary for Feb. 28.
Whatever the date, the Democrats will have to agree to hold their primary on the same date.
Gov. Rick Scott has appointed a primary committee to set the date. Its first meeting is next Friday in Tallahassee. The committee is required to set a date by Oct. 1.
Trivia note: I was on the ballot for 2008 Republican Presidential Primary in Arizona, garnering 53 votes. I’ve not decided whether I will build off that momentum and run again. I think I will wait until the Rick Perry enthusiasm dies down.