LAS VEGAS -- Following the issues with the Nevada GOP caucus, some voters are questioning whether a primary would be better. Saturday's GOP caucus was paid for by the state Republican party. A primary would be paid for by taxpayers, if the Nevada Legislature approved the change.
The last time Nevada had a primary was in 1996, and turnout was low. However, at that time, Nevada was not a key player in the presidential election.
In 2000, Nevada switched back to a caucus, but it wasn't until 2008 that the Silver State was given the opportunity to be an early caucus state. That move brought all the presidential contenders to Nevada and gave the state more prominence in the presidential campaign.
Amy Tarkanian, Nevada's GOP chairman for the caucus, thinks it's time for Nevada to consider going back to having a primary.
"We are such a busy state, a 24-hour town, at least in southern Nevada. People don't want to take the two hours and set that aside. They are too busy with their jobs, their families. They'd rather just have that primary," she said.
In order to hold a primary, state lawmakers would have to approve the change. Secretary of State Ross Miller says it would cost at least $1 million.
