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Top state offical sets sights on Jan.31 primary

By James Call

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-988273.mp3

Tallahassee, FL – Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon is predicting the state's presidential primary will be January 31. James Call reports a commission made up of appointees by Cannon, Senate President Mike Haridopolos and Governor Rick Scott is scheduled to make a decision Friday the day before the deadline set by the Republican National Committee.

The National Parties want Florida to wait until at least March 6th. State leaders want Florida to play king-maker in the GOP contest. But if the Sunshine State jumps ahead of an agreed upon schedule it risks losing delegates to the national conventions. Attorney General Pam Bondi says having a chance to influence the outcome is worth the risk of having a smaller delegation at the nominating convention.

"I support Florida playing a major role in the presidency whether it is early or whether it is with more delegates but I think being early gives Florida a chance at coming out in front and playing a major role."

Florida Republican leaders want to be the fifth state to pick a presidential nominee because the current group of candidates is expected to split the first four contests. Florida's Primary Commission will set the date Friday morning.