Bill would set up national primary system

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Democratic senators from Florida and Michigan proposed legislation Thursday that would set primary dates nationally, with six regional primaries.

Bill Nelson of Florida and Carl Levin of Michigan come from states that have defied the Democratic National Committee by scheduling primaries next year before the date the national party wants. The DNC has threatened not to recognize convention delegates from those states.

The bill would create six primary dates -- one in March, two each in April and May and one in June -- The Tallahassee Democrat reported. State primary orders would change with each presidential election, and Iowa and New Hampshire would lose their positions as the first caucus and first primary.

"This would give voters in larger states a strong voice in selecting the nominees over four months, while also giving citizens in the smaller states a fair say, too," said Nelson.

Nelson has threatened to sue the DNC if it sanctions Florida Democrats for the state's early primary date.