GOP recommends that Michigan, four other states lose half their convention delegates
10/22/2007WASHINGTON Republican Party leaders on Monday recommended punishing five states for shifting their nomination contests earlier, moving to strip New Hampshire, Florida, South Carolina, Michigan and Wyoming of half their delegates.
Iowa, which plans to hold Republican caucuses on Jan. 3, would not be penalized because, technically, the caucuses are not binding on convention delegates.
Nevada, which plans to hold its caucuses on Jan. 19, would not be penalized for the same reason.
It s very important that our party uphold and enforce the rules that we unanimously voted into place at the Republican National Convention in 2004, said Mike Duncan, chairman of the Republican National Committee.
The rules ban holding votes before Feb. 5.
Wyoming is scheduled to hold its nominating conventions on Jan. 5. Michigan will hold its Republican primary on Jan. 15, South Carolina on Jan. 19 and Florida on Jan. 29.
New Hampshire has not yet set a primary date, though it is required by state law to hold its primary at least seven days before any other, raising the possibility of a December vote.
The Republican National Committee s executive committee made the recommendation for punishments.
The proposal now goes to the full RNC, which will vote on a recommendation to Duncan following state elections in November. Duncan has the final say.
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