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The Case for an Early California Primary

California lawmakers are considering a bill that would move California's Presidential Primary election in 2008 up from mid-June to early February. The move would mean that California -- the largest and most diverse state in the country -- might actually have a shot at shaping the choice for Democratic and Republican nominees for President.

Since Gov. Schwarzenegger announced his support for the measure last week, there has been a lot of chatter about whether it's a good thing. Concerns have been raised in the blogosphere around the potential cost of a California ad war, as well as the awkward timing, right near the Super Bowl. The potential cost to the government is also raising flags for local election officials.

There is no doubt there will be kinks to work out, should this happen (and indications are that it will). But the magnitude of the impact California voters could have on this important contest far outweigh the costs. California is home to some of the most active and engaged people in politics. Most of that energy has been focused on national issues, but California has never been in a position to actually meaningfully impact the outcome of a national election. The early primary is an incredible opportunity to harness that energy, identify and train a new crop of leaders, and channel all of it toward long-term progressive change for California.

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