Swing state Ohio to set 2012 primary for May

COLUMBUS (AP) — A promised bill that would re-establish a single 2012 primary in Ohio is moving quickly through the state Legislature.

The bill sponsored by state Rep. Matt Huffman, a Lima Republican, is likely to clear committee and floor votes in the Ohio House today. Senate action could follow.

The measure reunites separate primaries from March and June to May 22 for all local, state and federal party face-offs.

Candidates including presidential contenders would have until March 8 to file. Those who met a deadline last week would not have to re-file.

The GOP-controlled legislature voted in October to move the presidential and U.S. House primaries to June to allow more time to settle a congressional map dispute. Critics said the maneuver would cost more and confuse voters, and candidates balked.