Minnesota parties may move up caucuses to Super Duper Tuesday

Republicans and Democrats in this state don't agree on much, but they can agree on not wanting to get left behind.

Faced with the prospect of a virtual national primary day on Feb. 5, 2008, that will include contests in at least two dozen states, leaders of Minnesota's political parties said Monday that the state must move up its March caucuses or risk political irrelevancy.

"In order for us to have impact, we need to be in on February 5," said Andy O'Leary, executive director of the Minnesota DFL. "If we wait until March, this thing will be over."

Pressure to speed up the political process has been building for months, with states leapfrogging one another in an attempt to influence the first wide-open presidential race since 1952.

Florida recently moved its primary to Jan. 29, just two weeks after the Iowa caucuses officially begin the presidential season and a week after New Hampshire holds its first-in-the-nation primary.

Minnesota political leaders have no expectation of climbing into those kingmaker ranks. They'd be happy just to be in the mix of what pundits are now calling "Tsunami Tuesday" or "Super Duper Tuesday."

Whatever it's called, the day will mark a turning point in presidential politics, yielding a treasure trove of delegates for top vote-getters in both parties at an earlier point in the race than ever before.

Ron Carey, chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party, said he will make the recommendation for earlier caucuses to his executive committee, with a formal decision likely in July. O'Leary said the DFL central committee will make its decision in late September.

Both O'Leary and Carey said the change is more likely to occur than not.

One factor: winter weather

"There's no good argument for keeping it in March unless you count weather," said Carey, "and the weather's a roll of the dice any time in Minnesota."

The current date of March 4 is set in statute, but state officials have said that courts in other states have held that legislatures cannot prevent political parties from setting their own dates to conduct their business.

Minnesota's caucuses have dwindled in influence and participation over the years, often weighing in after presidential candidates have locked up delegates in a majority of other states.

Joining the crush of states on Super Duper Tuesday, O'Leary said, "could really add to the excitement factor for caucus-goers" -- a sentiment echoed by Carey.

"It would be a shame not to have Minnesota weigh in on who's going to be on the ballot," Carey said. "We've had general discussions with the DFL prior to today and we found out we really do have common goals and this is one."

An attempt to move up the caucus date in law fell short in the last legislative session. O'Leary said it may be resurrected when the Legislature reconvenes next year, but it won't be in time for the 2008 election cycle. "We will need to set something up for 2012," he said, "because the structure is changing nationally."

Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, who convened the meeting where political party leaders discussed the accelerated caucus, said he too endorses the notion. "We're here to be helpful to the parties if the parties want to move in that direction," he said.

"Since the weather will be roughly the same -- which I believe is the largest determinant of actual turnout -- then being part of the excitement of the early president race is a big plus."

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Patricia Lopez • 651-222-1288 • plopez@startribune.com