Gov. Schwarzenegger SB113,  to move California’s presidential primary election to the first Tuesday in February, on March 15, 2007.  Reactions from March 15-16, 2007:
 

Statement from Giuliani Campaign Manager Mike DuHaime on California Primary

New York, Mar 15 -

Rudy Giuliani Presidential Campaign Manager Mike DuHaime made the following statement today on the signing of legislation by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger moving the California state primary to February 5th:

“Rudy Giuliani is the Republican candidate who can win California in both the primary and general elections.  The Mayor’s record as a proven problem solver continues to resonate with California voters.”
 
 
 

EDWARDS STATEMENT ON CALIFORNIA MOVING ITS PRIMARY TO FEBRUARY 5TH, 2008

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Senator John Edwards released the following statement today about California moving the date of its presidential primary to February 5th, 2008.

“California’s economic, social and ethnic diversity brings a valuable perspective to the nominating process and I am always glad for the opportunity to spend more time talking to Californians about their concerns and their hopes for the future.”
 
 

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Statement on California’s Presidential Primary Move to February 5

SANTA FE, NM- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson said today that moving the California Presidential primary election to February 5 is good for the Democratic Party and the primary process in general. The Governor issued the following statement:
 

“I believe that this change is great for the west and a positive development for my campaign,” said Governor Richardson.  “I am confident that my message and strong record of action will resonate with the voters of California.  As a western Governor I deal every day with issues important to the region, fighting for equal rights, protecting our environment, and promoting aggressive renewable energy policies and energy independence.  And like New Mexico, California is a diverse, multicultural state that will help the nominating process become even more inclusive and more reflective of America as it is today and will be in the future.”
 
 
 

Kucinich welcomes early California primary

CLEVELAND (OH) -- Democratic Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich (www.kucinich.us) said today that he welcomes the move to an earlier primary election in California because it will give voters a better opportunity to examine the positions of all the candidates. Kucinich said he is already actively campaigning in California, and has numerous events planned in the state over the next few months.

"All of America will be paying close attention to the early contests because that's when they can see the real differences between all the candidates." Kucinich said. "California's decision to move its primary provides even greater opportunity for our campaign to bring our message of peace and prosperity before the American public."

The Ohio Congressman said he will be "crisscrossing this great country" to make sure that by the time the first caucuses and primaries are held, Americans from New Hampshire to California will know the "real differences" between candidates on issues such as the Iraq war, health care and the restoration of American jobs. Even before the California primary was moved up, Kucinich was already scheduled to be in the state on March 24, March 31, April 28, and May 4 and 5. Additional visits are being planned.

Kucinich is the only presidential candidate who has voted against the 2002 authorization of the Iraq war and every war funding measure since. He has also sponsored legislation in Congress to bring it to a prompt end. His bill, HR 1234, was introduced last month.

He said he would also continue to campaign for a national, not-for-profit health care system, a position that puts him at odds with not only the other Democratic candidates, but also with the position of the Democratic Party, which wants to continue to allow insurance companies to dominate the health care business. Kucinich is a co-sponsor of HR 676, which would provide not-for-profit universal health care.

And Kucinich said he will continue to advocate that the United States withdraw from NAFTA and other trade deals which have resulted in the loss of millions of U.S. jobs. No other Democratic candidate has taken that position.

"My opponents talk about 'fixing' NAFTA and WTO," Kucinich said, "when they know-- but won't admit -- these treaties can't be fixed. American workers understand we need to start over if we want fair trade that protects our jobs here at home, as well as protects workers' rights and environmental quality around the world."