Michigan May Leapfrog the Primary Dates Into January

The one-upmanship among states to become a force in the presidential primaries may take another turn with Michigan leaping into the front spot and forcing Iowa and New Hampshire to move once again:

Michigan is poised to move its presidential primaries to Jan. 15 or earlier, becoming the latest state to leapfrog to the front of the voting calendar in the ongoing battle for relevance in choosing the next White House occupant.

The move by Michigan lawmakers is the latest to push the campaign season ever closer to New Year's Day and the holiday season, and renews the possibility that Iowans could be gathering to vote in December, despite pledges from state leaders to keep their caucuses in January.

Democratic leaders in Michigan privately agreed to the Jan. 15 date in a conference call late last week, according to sources on the call. Michigan Republicans quickly said they would support a move to that date. Legislation enshrining the decision could be passed in the state Senate as soon as tomorrow.

Michigan's senior U.S. senator, Carl M. Levin (D), is pushing for his state's primary to be held even earlier. Levin, who has for years decried the influence of Iowa and New Hampshire at the beginning of the primary schedule, is pushing for a Jan. 8 primary, according to sources familiar with the senator's thinking on the subject.

By the time this all shakes out the primary schedule may look just like it did in 2004, but with the contests moved up several months. All those states that moved up to early February may have to reconsider their position if they wish to be an important part of the nominating process.

At this point I wouldn't be surprised to see an Iowa caucus in December.