Hollister
– An early presidential primary election could be a blow to San
Benito’s coffers, according to county officials.
Hollister – An early presidential primary election could be a blow to San Benito’s coffers, according to county officials.
The Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to send a letter to California’s lawmakers insisting that the state foot the bill if the presidential primary is moved from June to February.
“I don’t think my objection is to any specifics they’re laying out,” Supervisor Pat Loe said. “I just don’t think we should have to pay for it.”
County Clerk Joe Paul Gonzalez told the board his staff would struggle to put on an early primary. He said the primary would likely cost the county between $150,000 and $200,000.
“Holding three elections (in 2008) would greatly impact my office,” Gonzalez said. “At the same time we’re canvassing the vote, we will also be preparing for the election in June. That means we’ll need more help.”
Under existing law, California’s 2008 presidential primary would be on June 3. However, the state Senate voted earlier this month to move the primary to Feb. 5 and the Assembly will be considering a similar bill in the coming weeks.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has said California’s late primary makes it irrelevant to presidential candidates.
Supervisor Jaime De La Cruz said that under the current system, primary candidates do not see California as a place to court voters. Candidates raise money in California that they spend in other states, De La Cruz said, so moving the primary to February could bring $100 million of campaign money back to California.
“For too long, California has been an ATM machine for presidential candidates,” De La Cruz said.
The legislation does not mention moving the rest of the federal, state and local elections to February, and Loe said it’s most likely that those elections will continue to be held in June.
Supervisors Loe and Reb Monaco said they oppose moving local elections to February. Loe previously said an early election would reduce the time available for campaigns. She added that with an early election, defeated candidates would remain in office for nearly a year before stepping down.
“At the local level, this really creates serious problems for us, so I will support the letter,” Monaco said. “But I question how effective it’s going to be.”
Anthony Ha covers local government for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or [email protected].
