Columbus Dispatch...
Having 2 primaries concerns Husted
By Jim Siegel  
October 27, 2011 

Secretary of State Jon Husted is not thrilled about the idea of holding two primaries next year, costing the state an extra $15 million. 

House Bill 318, which Gov. John Kasich signed into law on Saturday, keeps state, local and the U.S. Senate races in March, but moves the U.S. House and presidential primaries to June. Husted said the bill addresses most of the issues his office raised, including filing deadlines as they relate to when new congressional districts will take effect. 

“But there is no question that 2012 is going to be a busy year for us, and adding another election to it is just one of the things that will be a challenge for local boards,” Husted said. “Frankly, in this economy, I’m just thankful we all have jobs, and we should just go do them, and we’ll be fine.” 

The change was sparked by a potential Democratic challenge to GOP-drawn congressional maps, which could put them on hold through the November 2012 election. Moving the two primaries to June buys lawmakers time to finish a deal. 

“The two-primary issue is really a symptom of a problem, not the cause of a problem,” Husted said. “The problem is nobody can seem to agree on anything around here as it relates to solving this congressional map issue.” 

Husted is pushing for a less-partisan approach to drawing congressional and legislative districts. 

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