Gov. Ed Rendell would like to see Pennsylvania play a more important role in selecting nominees in the 2008 presidential race by holding its primary as early as New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary today.

"It's just an idea that he's been floating for elected officials to consider," Chuck Ardo, a spokesman for Rendell, said. "The governor feels strongly that Pennsylvania's voice is muted by the late date of its primary and feels that, as a large and diverse state, it deserves a greater role in the choice of a presidential candidate."

Other states have moved their primary dates to earlier in the season, Ardo said.

James Eisenstein, Penn State professor of political science, was surprised by Rendell's suggestion to move the primary.

"I think it's a pretty gutsy move because it challenges the determined policy of New Hampshire having its primary ahead of any other primary. There's been kind of a gentlemen's agreement that they get to go first, and no one has really broken it," Eisenstein said.

Only 13 states hold their primaries after Pennsylvania. "The presidential primary in Pennsylvania is fairly irrelevant because we're so late," said State Sen. Jake Corman, R-Bellefonte.

A bill changing Pennsylvania's primary date would only have to pass through the state's legislature, not the federal government.

"I'd be in favor of it," Corman said.

Though he would not be directly involved in the process, U.S. Rep. John Peterson, R-Centre, supports Rendell's idea, Peterson spokesman Paul Feenstra said.

"Obviously, it would make Pennsylvania more relevant to the primary process," he added.

Millions of people in Pennsylvania, one of the largest states in the nation, are registered voters, said Bob Shepherd, Centre County Democratic Committee chair.

"The number of people who voted in the Iowa caucus is only about the total number of people who live in Scranton or Erie," Shepherd said.

Both Shepherd and Centre County Republican Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson said an earlier Pennsylvania primary could affect their organizations.

"It may allow our hard grassroots work to have more influence in the election of the presidential candidate," Thompson said.

Students also voiced their opinions on the issue.

"I think it's actually an excellent idea mainly because the earlier the primary is, more people will be interested and vote in the primary," said Jessica Hopkins, president of the College Democrats.

However, Max Chien (freshman-architectural engineering) said he doesn't believe the date of the primary matters in the long run.

"I don't think it really matters as long as candidates get out their information," Chien said.

College Republicans Chair Brian Battaglia could not be reached for comment.

Before changing Pennsylvania's primary date, state legislators must decide if only the presidential primary will be moved or if primaries for all races will take place earlier in the season, Corman said.

"If you just did the presidential election early, then you have a problem of cost," Corman said. "But if there's a way to make Pennsylvania more relevant, then I'm all for it."

Also, if Pennsylvania's primary were in February, candidates would need to petition during the holidays, Corman said.

"People don't want to think about politics over the holidays," he added.

One possible advantage of an earlier primary is increased voter turnout.

"When there's something at stake and voters understand that their votes matter, they are more motivated to make it to the polls," Ardo said.