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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Sean Ramaley |
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Making Keystone State key in presidential primaries
Ramaley resolutions calling for regional primaries moving forward in the House
HARRISBURG, April 8 – Pennsylvania is a key state in this year’s presidential primary. But state Rep. Sean Ramaley, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said that is not normally the case. Because the state’s primary is held so late in the game, Pennsylvanians rarely have a strong voice in choosing presidential candidates.
Ramaley has offered three resolutions aimed at leveling the primary playing field for all states by urging the creation of regional primaries. House Resolutions 581, 582 and 583 were reported unanimously from the House State Government Committee today and are poised for a vote in the full House.
"Normally, Pennsylvania is not a key player in the presidential primary season because we are near the end of the cycle – for example, this year, there are only 10 states with primaries after ours. Generally, our voice is not heard until the fall," Ramaley said. "Regional primaries would enable voters throughout the nation have an opportunity to weigh in on the nomination process of presidential candidates. A regional primary benefits voters and candidates, as there would be an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, and gain an understanding of candidates’ beliefs and the voters’ concerns."
Ramaley’s resolutions, which have bipartisan support, would:
· Encourage the Pennsylvania secretary of the Commonwealth to coordinate with surrounding states a mutually agreeable, common date for a presidential primary.
· Push Congress to act on pending federal legislation that would enact a regional primary election plan with four evenly divided regions and agree to rotate which region votes first in order to protect each state’s voice in the process.
· Encourage the Democratic and Republican national committees to assist in coordinating a regional primary election plan.
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