An earlier Presidential primary date for Florida?

Florida's March primary date may be no more if Mario Rubio gets his way. From the Orlando Sentinel-

TALLAHASSEE -- When Republican Gov.-elect Charlie Crist was campaigning, he attracted a flock of likely GOP presidential contenders eager to make political inroads in Florida.

Now, the state's new Republican House leadership is intent on bringing those White House wannabes back earlier and more often -- by making the state a tantalizing political prize in 2008.

Incoming state House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-Miami, this week is expected to unveil a plan to move Florida's March presidential primary closer to the first-in-the-nation New Hampshire primary.

Rubio and others have decried Florida's later primary date, saying it excludes the mega-state from playing a significant role in choosing the Democratic and Republican nominees.

"Florida voters deserve a greater role in choosing our nation's leaders," Rubio said.

Florida's last presidential primary occurred in March 2004, six weeks after New Hampshire's. It also came after 28 states and the District of Columbia held caucuses or primaries and the nominations of President Bush and Democrat John Kerry were virtually certain.

Rubio earlier this year talked of moving Florida's primary to a week after New Hampshire's. He includes the proposal in his book, 100 Innovative Ideas for Florida's Future, expected to be released today at the state Capitol.

Has their been a meaningful Presidential primary in Florida since the 70's? I don't seem to re-call any, but I was an absentee voter for much of the 80's.(Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) Moving up the primary date is a good idea, and I don't see a reason for any Florida politicians to oppose it.

What do you think?

Hat tip- State of Sunshine who calls this a great idea.
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