Alabama's decision not to break DNC rules may hurt N.H.'s primary

The decision from leading lawmakers in Alabama Wednesday not to move their state's presidential primary further up and break Democratic National Committee rules could have a small, but important, effect on New Hampshire's thinking as it considers moving up its primary.

Currently, Alabama's presidential primary is scheduled for Feb. 5, the first date under DNC rules that states other than Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina are allowed to hold their primaries.

Alabama moved the date last year, but there were new concerns in recent months that Feb. 5 was also Fat Tuesday, a day of major celebration in Mobile.

As a result, some Democratic leaders suggested moving the date up to Feb. 2, making Alabama the first state to break DNC rules and paving the way for New Hampshire to do the same.

But on Wednesday Alabama leaders decided to keep their primary on Feb. 5.

Currently, the DNC has scheduled the New Hampshire Primary for Jan. 22. However, New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner, the person who actually sets the date, has threatened to move it up.