By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, Mo. – A second Missouri House committee has voted to do away with the state's presidential primary.
Last week, a House Appropriations committee called for removing all money for the 2004 primary from the budget. Tuesday, the House Elections Committee committee voted to return the state to choosing presidential nominees by the caucus system. The bill now goes to the full House.
Republicans say ending the primary would save about four million dollars for financially strapped state government. But Democrats say having no primary would disenfranchise voters.
In a caucus system, candidates are chosen by people who attend a special political party meeting.