Colorado GOP expected to move up 2012 caucuses

[September 24, 2011]  COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) -- A plan by Colorado Republicans to move up their 2012 presidential caucuses to the day after the Iowa caucus is expected to win final approval Saturday.

The Republican Central Committee is expected to approve the move from March 6 to Feb. 7 when it meets in Colorado Springs.

State GOP Chairman Ryan Call says the earlier date could give Colorado a greater voice in the Republican presidential contest. State Republicans also shifted their caucus date in 2008.

Colorado can make the change without penalty from the Republican National Committee because the caucus doesn't determine delegates. That is a separate process in April.

All states must submit caucus plan to the Republican National Committee by Oct. 1.

[Associated Press]

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