Missouri Senate approves March presidential primary

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Missouri Senate has endorsed legislation moving the state's 2012 presidential primary to March 6 instead of Feb. 7 as currently scheduled.

The legislation would keep Missouri in compliance with rules set by the national Democratic and Republican parties.

The primary scheduling provision is part of a broader elections bill that initially required presidential candidates to submit birth certificates to be listed on Missouri ballots. But that language was removed during House and Senate negotiations.

The legislation now goes to the House. The Legislature ends its annual session at 6 p.m. Friday.

---

Presidential primary bill is SB282

Online:

Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov