Nevada Republicans Agree to Move Up Primary Date

RENO, Nev. – Nevada Republicans agreed Saturday to hold their presidential caucus Jan. 19, the same day state Democrats vote for their candidates.

The GOP state central committee's action follows the Democratic National Committee's decision last summer to give Nevada the second 2008 presidential caucus in the nation — just five days after the Iowa caucus and before New Hampshire's primary.

Had Republicans not followed suit, Democrats' organizational head start would have bolstered their nominee's chances of capturing Nevada, said Pete Ernaut, a Republican lobbyist who led the push for the change.

The move — approved by voice vote — also was designed to attract more national campaign attention, he said.

At least a dozen states, including California and New York, have already moved their primaries or caucuses to Feb. 5, and other states are considering such moves