TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — House Speaker Dean Cannon on Wednesday said Florida likely will hold its presidential primary on Jan. 31.
Mr. Cannon, a Republican, said that date should secure Florida’s place as the fifth state to hold presidential primaries or caucuses.
He said Florida officials do not want to go ahead of the four states that traditionally go first — Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.
Florida Republicans have been pushing for an early date to ensure the state will be a major player in deciding the GOP nominee.
A Jan. 31 primary would violate Republican Party rules, but Mr. Cannon said his first duty is to Florida voters.
Other states that have moved up their dates, including Missouri to Feb. 7, forced Florida’s hand, Mr. Cannon said.
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