North Carolina Democrats name 3 for presidential primary

RALEIGH, NC (AP) – The North Carolina Democratic Party wants its presidential primary voters to choose from three candidates in March.

The State Board of Elections received Tuesday a letter from state party Chair Patsy Keever with names for the March 15 primary ballot. They are Hillary Rodham Clinton, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. All participated in last weekend’s Democratic debate in Iowa.

North Carolina law directs parties in the state provide slates of candidates by Dec. 16. The Republicans have not yet done so. The law says lists must be comprised of candidates whose candidacies are “generally advocated and recognized in the news media” throughout the country or in North Carolina.

The State Board of Elections will meet Jan. 5 to finalize the names on the ballots.

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