LANSING, Mich., Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Michigan has moved closer to holding a presidential primary in mid-January, which would make it the first test for candidates after Iowa and New Hampshire.
Democratic leaders said they tentatively agreed Friday to hold a closed primary Jan. 15, The Detroit News reported. Republicans released a statement saying they would hold a closed primary the same day if Democrats act.
Currently, the Democratic Party has scheduled a caucus for Feb. 9, while a Republican caucus or convention is set for Jan. 25 and 26.
Under New Hampshire law, that state must hold the earliest presidential primary. A mid-January date in Michigan could force New Hampshire to hold its vote before Christmas.
Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat, supports holding an early primary, arguing that it would give the state more clout in the nominating process.
