With other states like Arizona in the process of expediting the election process by threatening to move their primary and caucus dates before February 28 Florida knows it can’t be left behind. Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon says it is important for the state to be one of the first to vote in the primary process for voter voices to be heard. While this seems ideal for Florida voters, it will likely come with a cost.
Holding a primary before March 6 will violate rules set by the Republican National Committee, which will possibly force Florida to give up half of their delegates as a result. Despite this threat Cannon says he is confident in Florida’s pending decision to hold an early primary: "It's more important that Florida voters voices be heard than to stringently comply with GOP rules.”
If the motion is passed Florida will prompt traditionally early primary and caucus states like Iowa and South Carolina to change their dates to early January. The Sunshine State has the power to jump-start the political nomination process, disarray the Republican calendar, and cause a state of chaos - something party leaders have carefully planned not to happen. Officials will meet Friday morning to discuss the matter and officially announce their decision.
