JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan is criticizing a proposal by Republican lawmakers to cancel next year's presidential primary elections.
The primaries are scheduled by state law for February, which is earlier than allowed under national Republican Party guidelines. Rather than face penalties from the national party, the Missouri GOP recently decided to use a caucus process to pick its delegates to the national nominating convention.
The state Senate plans to consider legislation next week canceling the primary. Supporters contend scrapping the vote could save several million dollars.
Carnahan, a Democrat, calls the idea "wrong-headed." She said Thursday a primary would encourage participation in the electoral process and let ordinary Missourians voice their presidential preferences.