May 13, 2003

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today called upon the Michigan House of Representatives to pass legislation canceling the 2004 presidential primary election.

Senate Bill 397 cancels the primary for one year only. Secretary Land points out that doing away with next year’s primary will save taxpayers $7 million to $8 million in costs. The primary is unnecessary in 2004 because President George W. Bush is expected to run unchallenged for the Republican Party nomination, and the Democratic Party does not use an open primary to nominate its candidate.

"Good government demands that we constantly evaluate our laws so that the public interest is best served," Secretary Land said. "This common-sense legislation saves taxpayers a needless expense by recognizing the current political realities. Continuing to do things a certain way simply because that’s how they’ve always been done is not prudent leadership. We cannot be slaves to the process. For the good of Michigan taxpayers, SB 397 deserves immediate passage."

SB 397 is sponsored by state Sen. Jason Allen, R-Traverse City. The bill has Senate approval and is now before the full House.

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