Local Republican Leader Sees Early Primary as Mixed Bag

As political analysts on the national level scramble to determine what impact an early primary in Florida will have, some are saying the move could have its ups and downs.

The news that Florida is eyeing a Jan. 31, 2012, primary date broke today on CNN.com. The early date would put Florida’s primary ahead of Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada, which traditionally kick off election season with their early primaries. It could also put Florida’s delegate numbers into question during presidential nominations later in 2012.

According to CNN, if Florida picks the earlier date, it would violate Republican National Committee rules and may subject the state to a loss of half its delegates when the Republican National Convention comes to Tampa in August 2012.

Sandra Graves, co-vice president of the Republican Club of Central Pasco, said the proposal has its pros and cons.

“I don’t necessarily think Iowa and New Hampshire need to be out there in the front,” she said. “On the other hand, you may have peaked too early.”

A final decision on the date for Florida’s primary is anticipated to come later this week, CNN reported.