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State Assembly to Vote on Sooner-held Presidential Primary

The State Assembly will be voting this afternoon on whether to move California's Presidential Primary up to February. From Sacramento, Jenny O'Mara has more on the controversy over the bill.

State Assembly to Vote on Sooner-held Presidential Primary

The State Assembly will be voting this afternoon on whether to move California's Presidential Primary up to February.  From Sacramento, Jenny O'Mara has more on the controversy over the bill.

Democratic Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez says when it comes to voting on the Presidential primary, there's no time to waste.

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Nunez : The earlier we send the bill to the Governor, the earlier we see -- to steal a word from the Governor -- some action.

Nunez says once the earlier date is set, candidates will come -- not only to raise money but also to campaign. Governor Schwarzenegger supports the idea -- but Republicans are concerned about costs to counties. Nunez says they will be reimbursed -- but he won't amend the bill to include that. Assembly Republican leader Mike Villines says it must be made clear.

Villines : If we're going to do this, we've got to pay for it -- that's simply what our amendment does. It's a very simple thing to do.

Despite Republicans' objections, their votes are not necessary to the bill's passage -- as it is a simple majority vote measure. Jenny O'Mara, KPBS News.