For Immediate Release:
September 9, 2011
House Speakers from Early Presidential States Join to Support Current Nomination Calendar
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Meeting at the National Speakers Conference, House Speakers from Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina have joined forces to support the current presidential nomination calendar and the traditional positions of the early states. Florida and Michigan are currently considering moving their primaries forward ahead of the dates suggested by the Republican and Democratic National Committees.
New Hampshire House Speaker William O’Brien
“New Hampshire remains 100% committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with Iowa and South Carolina to ensure that the traditional primary process is preserved and strengthened. The Granite State has shown time and again that we have the right people to decide who should lead the nation. Other states have tried to leapfrog the current calendar and move ahead of us, but none have shown that they have what it takes to do a thorough job of vetting presidential candidates like we do in local, retail setting.”Iowa House Speaker Kraig Paulsen
“Having Iowa lead off the Presidential nominating process provides Americans with a unique opportunity to learn more about the candidates and their views. The living room settings and retail political climate Presidential hopefuls must navigate in Iowa brings out the honesty and authenticity in each individual seeking the office of President. I continue to support the RNC’s calendar of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.”
South Carolina House Speaker Bobby Harrell
“As the stakes continue to rise nationally, it has never been more important that Republicans stand united and select a Presidential nominee who will lead our nation back to economic recovery and prosperity. South Carolina has solidified it’s place as a conservative proving ground for presidential contenders, and our conservative voters are once again dedicated to picking our Party’s nominee. We will continue to play a pivotal role in that process with our ‘First in the South’ Presidential Primary, and I stand strong with my Republican counterparts from Iowa and New Hampshire in support of the RNC’s approved presidential nominating calendar.”