Dover, Delaware — The Republican presidential primary in Delaware was already called before it even started.
In order to swiftly approve a bill revising the election laws of Delaware and enabling the cancellation of the primary election set for April 2, state legislators suspended the rules in both the House and the Senate on Tuesday. Rapidly adding his signature was Democratic Governor John Carney.
When former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley decided to halt her candidacy, it pushed the law through. Last Thursday, Haley withdrew her name from the primary ballot in Delaware, making Donald Trump the lone contender.
It was too late to acknowledge Haley's withdrawal before lawmakers had to enact a bill. Only one week elapses between the filing and withdrawal deadlines under current legislation. The dates for this year's presidential primary were February 2 for filing and February 9 for withdrawal.
According to Anthony Albence, Delaware's State Elections Commissioner, the regulation was more effective when the presidential primary was held in early February. However, in 2011, lawmakers decided to reschedule the election to April.
He explained to lawmakers that the situation had become so dire that there was "essentially no contest" due to the delayed primary and the altered campaign landscape.
The Democratic presidential primary in Delaware was previously canceled because only President Joe Biden filed.
State election officials have calculated that taxpayers will save at least $1.5 million if the Republican primary is canceled.
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