New Ohio elex boss: Later 2012 primary possible

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio’s next elections chief is raising the possibility of a later date for the state’s presidential primary in 2012, now scheduled for March 6.

Incoming Secretary of State Jon Husted says county elections boards worry it might take too long for state lawmakers to redraw Ohio’s congressional districts. The Republican tells The Columbus Dispatch the local officials are concerned about having enough time to prepare for the 2012 primary.

Husted says it might have to be moved if the drawing of new district lines isn’t completed by Dec. 7 of this year — the deadline for primary hopefuls to file candidacy petitions.

Ohio will go from 18 to 16 U.S. House districts as a result of new census data.