Statement by House Majority Leader Carlos Lopez-Cantera on Committee Vote for Early Presidential Preference Primary Date

Tallahassee – Florida House Majority Leader Carlos Lopez-Cantera (R-Miami) today issued the following statement regarding the Presidential Preference Primary Date Selection Committee’s selection of January 31, 2012 as Florida’s primary date.

“The committee’s selection of January 31, 2012, reflects the legislature’s commitment to keeping the voices of Florida voters heard at the ballot box. We acted in good faith and were clear with our intentions from day one. We have not and will not put the needs of internal party politics before the desire of our citizens to have their votes matter. This date allows our state to remain relevant in the Presidential selection process and gives Florida voters the opportunity to significantly impact the 2012 election cycle as they rightfully deserve.

“Any future President needs to pass the Florida test. It would be unacceptable for our primary to occur after the Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Arizona and Michigan primaries, diminishing our weight in the selection of the future U.S. President.

“History shows us that states who vote earliest in the primary season are more responsible for the outcome of the nominee. Making certain that Florida and its unique and diverse voters are critical players in the overall selection process of the next President is more important than a possible reduction in the number of delegate votes.”