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Countdown quickens in US election Countdown quickens in US election
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South Carolina is set to bring forward its Republican presidential primary poll, a move likely to trigger further changes in the US electoral calendar. South Carolina is bringing forward its Republican presidential primary poll, a move set to trigger further changes in the US electoral calendar.
The date has not yet been announced but the primary, currently set for 2 February, is expected in mid-January. The primary, originally set for 2 February, will be held on 19 January, the state's Republican chairman said.
In a presidential election year, states hold primaries and caucuses to choose Democratic and Republican nominees.In a presidential election year, states hold primaries and caucuses to choose Democratic and Republican nominees.
Candidates who do not do well in early elections tend to drop out, so giving those states who decide first more say.Candidates who do not do well in early elections tend to drop out, so giving those states who decide first more say.
The changing electoral schedule is proving a stiff test for the candidates as their campaigns have to decide which states to focus their energy - and their money - on.The changing electoral schedule is proving a stiff test for the candidates as their campaigns have to decide which states to focus their energy - and their money - on.
Some states get the electoral ball rolling with primaries - an election where voters indicate a preference for a candidate - while others use caucuses - party meetings to endorse candidates.Some states get the electoral ball rolling with primaries - an election where voters indicate a preference for a candidate - while others use caucuses - party meetings to endorse candidates.
CURRENT KEY DATES 14 Jan: Iowa caucus22 Jan: New Hampshire primary29 Jan: Florida, South Carolina primaries5 Feb: some 20 states including California, New York, New Jersey Quick guide: US election CURRENT KEY DATES 14 Jan: Iowa caucus19 Jan: South Carolina primary22 Jan: New Hampshire primary29 Jan: Florida 5 Feb: some 20 states including California, New York, New Jersey Quick guide: US election
Larger states like California and Florida, who previously held their primaries later on in the process, have now moved their elections forward.Larger states like California and Florida, who previously held their primaries later on in the process, have now moved their elections forward.
Florida is due to hold its primary on 29 January, while California joins a raft of other states holding their elections on 5 February 2008, which has already been dubbed "Super-Duper Tuesday".Florida is due to hold its primary on 29 January, while California joins a raft of other states holding their elections on 5 February 2008, which has already been dubbed "Super-Duper Tuesday".
'Historic place' Tradition
Observers say the most likely new date for the South Carolina Republican primary is 19 January. South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Katon Dawson announced the date change in Concord, New Hampshire alongside New Hampshire officials.
"We are here to stand shoulder to shoulder with our friends in New Hampshire to reaffirm the important role that both our states play in presidential politics," Mr Dawson said.
Campaigning in person is crucial in key statesCampaigning in person is crucial in key states
This has implications for New Hampshire, which has a state law determining that its primary be held at least a week before any other state's. The change was needed, Mr Dawson said, to protect South Carolina's tradition of being the first Southern state to hold a primary.
"We understand that us naming the date has consequences for New Hampshire. We respect that," said South Carolina Republican Chairman Katon Dawson. South Carolina Democrats have already said they will stay with their original date of 29 January for their primary.
But, he said:" We have an historic place in presidential politics. We've been on record for two years that we will be first in the south." The Republicans' decision, however, has implications for New Hampshire, which has a state law determining that its primary be held at least a week before any other state's.
Mr Dawson is due to make the announcement at a news conference in New Hampshire, alongside New Hampshire's Secretary of State William Gardner. This means the New Hampshire Secretary of State William Gardner will have to move the primary forward to at least 12 January.
New Hampshire guards its "first-in-the nation primary" status jealously, so its election could be moved from 22 January to even earlier in the new year, possibly 7 or 8 January.
The shifting dates will also have an effect on Iowa, which has a state law that it must be the first to hold any kind of voting procedure.The shifting dates will also have an effect on Iowa, which has a state law that it must be the first to hold any kind of voting procedure.
That means the Iowa caucus must come before the New Hampshire primary in the electoral calendar. That means the Iowa caucuses must come before the New Hampshire primary in the electoral calendar.
The Iowa caucus is currently set for 14 January but the changes could mean Iowa officials having to decide whether to set the caucus for around the New Year period, or even bring it forward to December this year.The Iowa caucus is currently set for 14 January but the changes could mean Iowa officials having to decide whether to set the caucus for around the New Year period, or even bring it forward to December this year.