Lawmakers Tackle Cost, Questions in Push to Host Primary

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota lawmakers are starting to wade through how to switch from presidential caucuses from a primary.

The push was spurred by massive turnout that swamped caucus sites across the state when Minnesota residents made their presidential picks on March 1. Top politicians and party leaders quickly backed an effort to move to the state-run primary system.

A House committee on Wednesday started considering the costs and complications of moving away from the caucus system. Republican Rep. Tim Sanders introduced the bill to swap with a primary. He says it's better to get more voters involved.

But Secretary of State Steve Simon says it may cost local governments up to $6 million. Lawmakers also need to decide on a closed or open primary.

An initial vote isn't expected until next week.