MIGOP: proposed 2012 presidential rules pass 92-17. Closed presidential primary to be held between Feb 28 - March 6. ... Closed Primary in Michigan guarantees maximum participation by presidential candidates and grassroots activists. A win/win!

As I said elsewhere: unless we hold that primary on February 28th, the legislature is going to have to authorize a $10 million special appropriation; and if we hold it before March 6th, then the RNC is going to halve our representation at the national convention.  So, which of the two evils do we now pick?

As I also said, one of the key disadvantages of a primary is that it doesn't require any special organizational efforts by candidates.  Advertising, yes; organizing, not so much.  Another key disadvantage is that we're now wide open to a Mark Brewer-led, MDP-coordinated contamination of our primary.  That crossover will serve to support the nomination of either (a) the candidate on the ballot who most closely reflects democrat values and goals, or (b) the candidate on the ballot who is perceived as being easiest for Obama to beat in November.

Just because we now have a date and method locked in by the State Committee doesn't mean that the candidates will be making more frequent stops in Michigan.  They may do that as a result of us now hosting a presidential debate in a few months, but I don't think that locking in a date and a nomination method is what will drive the activity.