Introduced
by
To eliminate the Republican presidential primary which would otherwise be held in March, 2004. It is widely expected that no Republican candidate will challenge President George W. Bush for the GOP nomination, making the primary election superfluous.
Referred to the Committee on Local Government and Urban Policy
Reported without amendment
With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
Substitute offered
To replace the previous version of the bill with one which would prohibit a presidential candidate's name from appearing on the November general election ballot unless it had also appeared on the Michigan primary ballot earlier in the year, beginning in 2008. The bill would require Democrats to hold a presidential primary in 2008. Michigan Democrats now choose their presidential candidate in closed party caucus meetings.
The substitute passed 60 to 46 (details)
Substitute offered
by
To replace the House substitute of the bill with one which would advance into the 2004 election season the previous substitute’s requirement that a presidential candidate appearing on the November general election ballot must also appear in a presidential primary in the spring. The bill would have the effect of requiring both major parties to hold primaries in 2004. Democrats now choose their presidential candidate in closed party caucus meetings, and the original bill would have eliminated the 2004 Republican primary.
The substitute passed 58 to 44 (details)
