SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2297

As of December 5, 2003

Title: An act relating to the cancellation of the 2004 presidential primary.

Brief Description: Canceling the presidential primary in 2004.

Sponsors: Representatives Haigh, Armstrong, Kagi, Nixon, Santos, Hinkle, Shabro, Tom, Fromhold, Delvin, Dickerson, Alexander, McCoy, Ahern, Simpson, Woods, Clibborn, McDonald, Kenney, Miloscia, Chase, Lantz, Bailey, Schual-Berke, Hudgins, Flannigan, Dunshee, Ruderman, Darneille, Upthegrove, Linville, Blake, Hunter, Quall, Hunt, Morris, Wallace, Kessler and Veloria; by request of Governor Locke.

Brief History:

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: The presidential primary was created in 1989 by an Initiative to the Legislature. The upcoming presidential primary is currently set for March 2, 2004. The Secretary of State is appropriated $6,038,000 to reimburse the counties for the state's share of the cost of conducting the presidential primary. Delegates to the national nominating conventions are allocated based on party precinct caucuses and the results of the primary, depending on party rules. Following the primary, lists of voters who participated are made available to the state and county political party committees. The Democratic Party decided that no delegates will be allocated to the national nominating convention based on the 2004 primary; rather, all delegates will be allocated based on the results of party caucuses. While the Republican Party will allocate one third of its delegates to the nominating convention based on the primary, there is only one major candidate seeking the party's nomination for president.

Summary of Bill: The 2004 presidential primary is cancelled.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.