Michigan moves primary up to Jan. 15

updated 1:04 p.m. ET Sept. 4, 2007

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Tuesday signed a bill moving Michigan's presidential primaries to Jan. 15, even though all the Democratic candidates have said they won't campaign in the state because the move breaks national party rules.

By moving ahead of Feb. 5, Michigan Democrats risk losing all their national convention delegates, while state Republicans risk losing half.

But Granholm said the earlier date will put greater emphasis on issues affecting manufacturing, health care and alternative fuels.

"We want candidates to talk about how they plan to enforce trade policies that are so critical to our manufacturers, the need for universal access to affordable health care, and how they plan to reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil," Granholm said in a statement.

Michigan's law comes after Wyoming Republicans decided to jump their caucuses to Jan. 5 and South Carolina Republicans moved their primary to Jan. 19.

More moves are expected in the coming weeks as Iowa and New Hampshire - and possibly Nevada and even South Carolina - reconsider their dates to maintain their early status. Iowa caucuses had been scheduled for Jan. 14 and New Hampshire's primary was tentatively set for Jan. 22. Nevada is scheduled to vote on Jan. 19.

MORE FROM POLITICS

Politics Section Front

CBO: Health bills to increase federal costs GOP decides ‘It’s the economy’ for 2010  Sotomayor speeds toward confirmation House Dems move to vote on health reform bill   Obama: Racial divisions still persist NYT analysis: Obama's next pick at stake House Democrats discourage debates with GOP FEC: No clothes-buying with campaign funds Dems, White House at odds on F-22 funding Biden challenges GOP on stimulus  Politics Section Front   Add Politics headlines to your news reader: