Western primary needs more

If the governors of Utah and New Mexico could pull it off, a full-blown Western states presidential primary would pique the attention of presidential hopefuls.

To reach its intended goals, however, the primary would need full participation from Western states. Combined, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona represent 39 electoral votes. That's slightly more than powerful states such as Texas and New York, but far fewer than California. With 39 electoral votes at stake, it would be foolhardy for presidential wannabes to forgo visits to the West and become acquainted with Western issues.

Thus far, Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson have committed to hold elections or caucuses on Feb. 5, 2008. Arizona is expected to have an early primary, too, but Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano did not participate in an announcement of the presidential primary.

Utah and New Mexico have five electoral votes each. There are 18 states that have that at least that or more. Even with 20 votes — supposing Arizona's participation — there are six states that have 20 or more electoral votes of their own. To give the Western states primary sufficient clout, large-scale participation would be needed.

If Huntsman and Richardson can enlist full support, it would be an unprecedented opportunity for Western issues to take center stage — at least temporarily — and permit Westerners to frame the debate over these matters.

If history is a guide, Huntsman and Richardson face an uphill battle. Former Govs. Mike Leavitt and Roy Romer of Colorado had limited success with the 2000 Western states primary. Utah spent about $700,000 to participate in a regional primary with Colorado and Wyoming Republicans, but the election ended up being held Super Tuesday, which decided the national candidates. Neither Colorado, with nine electoral votes, nor Wyoming, which has three, have committed to a second go-round.

This time, Utah's election tab would be $900,000, which would require a vote of the state Legislature. Lawmakers will have to decide if the expenditure is justified, considering so few states have committed to the Feb. 5, 2008, date thus far.

Huntsman and Richardson are correct that the West should not forgo an opportunity to frame vital Western issues such as water, the environment, land use and immigration. This is a commendable effort. But the West won't have enough sway to make or break someone's political fortunes unless all states band together.