Illinois February Primary?

Illinois could have more power in the next presidential election. Wednesday the state house passed a law moving next years primary from March to February 5th. But one lawmaker says it shouldnt be on the book forever. Some republicans say theyre fine with bumping up the primary to give presidential candidate Barack Obama a boost. But some say....keeping the primary in February ... Isnt smart politics. Get out of the way new hampshire and iowa ... The land of lincoln could join a handful of other states to decide *early on* whether or not illinois freshman senator Barack Obama will be the democrats presidential candidate. "Im not adverse to giving republican or democrats favorite son a break and put him in the hot primaries." Said Representative Bill Black (R) Danville. But making the early primary permanent .. isnt sitting well with some republicans. "I just think its goofy to make this change forever." Said Black. Right now our primary already lasts eight months ... So critics say theyre afraid voters will end up zoning out. "Illinois primary is too long anyway and this just going to make it worse." Said Black. And if Illinois wants more influence in the race for the white house... Its going to end up costing the state over 200 thousand dollars. "Some of that is printing money and for additional manpower to move up the planning. Theres a lot of programming that needs to be done. Theres some printing cost thatll be incurred, changing our calendars and those types of things." Said State Board of Elections Executive Director, Dan White. The debate now moves to the illinois senate. And if it lands on his desk the governor previously said hell support a february primary. New York .. California and New Jersey have passed or are considering moving their primaries to the same date. But Florida could be the earliest...With a January 29th date.