TALLAHASSEE — Look out Iowa, South Carolina and New Hampshire. Republicans in the nation’s biggest swing state are preparing to weigh in on their party’s presidential nominee as early as fall 2011.
The concept: a non-binding Florida straw poll at a massive event billed as Presidency V, which would also feature a nationally televised presidential debate. The plan, still in its infancy, enjoyed wide support from Republican Party of Florida leaders at its quarterly meeting last weekend.
“It’s good for the state, good for the party and will give a real boost to the candidates,” said Sen. John Thrasher, a St. Augustine Republican and chairman of the state party.
Full Story: Florida GOP may replace troublesome early presidential primary with straw poll – St. Petersburg Times