Alabama: doesn't anybody read these bills?
AP reports: When the Alabama Legislature tried to make Alabama a player in presidential politics, it inadvertently moved the state's entire primary election — not just the presidential preference primary — from June to February in 2008.
Some state officials first learned of the mistake Wednesday, making it the second foul-up of lawmakers trying to make Alabama an early state for presidential candidates to court votes. Election officials already were worried that the new primary date, Feb. 5, 2008, happens to be Mardi Gras Day, a major holiday and tourist event in Mobile, where businesses shut down as tens of thousands jam streets for Carnival parades.
Alabama primaries for state and county offices traditionally have been held in June or September, never so early as February. -- al.com: NewsFlash - AP Newsbreak: Alabama moved entire 2008 primary to February