Apache Junction, Ariz., July 26, 2011 -
Today the Pinal County Greens, a group of members of the Arizona Green Party in Pinal County, urged the state party to hold a 2012 Presidential primary. As this story in Ballot Access News explained:
Arizona law sets the 2012 presidential primary on February 28, but the law also gives the Governor the authority to change that date. On July 21, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer suggested she is inclined to move the primary into January. . .
Although press stories focus on the impact this would have on the Republican presidential contest, the proposed early Arizona primary could also impact the Libertarian Party and the Green Party. Both are entitled to a presidential primary in Arizona if they desire one. In 1996, the Arizona Libertarian Party and the Arizona Democratic Party won a court order, saying that if a party doesn’t want the state to hold a presidential primary for itself, then the state should respect the party’s wishes and not hold one. Republicans also refused a presidential primary in Arizona in 2004. Arizona held no presidential primaries before 1996.
In 2008 the Libertarian Party declined to participate in the state’s presidential primary, but held its own party-financed mail presidential primary. The Arizona Green Party has never before been entitled to participate in a government presidential primary. Although the Green Party successfully petitioned to be a qualified party in 2000 and 2008, it didn’t qualify in time for its own presidential primary. For 2012, however, the Greens are already qualified so they could have their first presidential primary if they wish to.
The resolution passed by the Pinal County Greens respectfully asks the state leadership of the Arizona Green Party to agree to hold its first presidential primary in 2012.
"We hope the Greens will take advantage of Arizona law and use a 2012 primary to gain visibility for our state Green Party as well as the Green Party of the United States, especially at a time when many Americans are disgusted with the Democrats and Republicans for their failures," said Richard Grayson, Co-Chair of the Pinal County Greens.
"Holding an official Arizona Green Party next winter will highlight progressive issues and our candidates for national and state office and gain us publicity and clout," Grayson said. It would also allow party members to fully participate in the political process."
Noting that Democrats are likely to refuse to hold a primary to avoid any sign of opposition to President Obama from the left, Grayson said, "Without an Arizona Green presidential primary in 2012, "there would be no progressive candidates coming to campaign in our state."
