Analyst: Primary move would cost delegates, up influence

Moving Arizona’s primary to early January from late February could cost the state a number of delegates at national conventions, but Arizona would have far more influence by being first, a political analyst said.

“A handful of delegates difference won’t likely amount to a hill of beans,” said Mike O’Neil. “Being first and having that impact the process? That’s much bigger. Witness Iowa. That’s why Iowa protects it.”

Last year, Gov. Jan Brewer briefly considered moving Arizona’s primary to Jan. 31.

State Republican Rep. Phis Lovas will push for legislation that would move Arizona’s presidential primary up to the same time as the Iowa Caucus, which is the first event in the year leading up the a presidential election.