Romney nominated before NM votes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - Mitt Romney officially became the Republican Presidential nominee, a week before New Mexico's primary.

That means New Mexico Republicans had no say in the pick.

Political analysts say that is not going to change anytime soon.

"It's just not going to happen for a small state like New Mexico," political analyst Joe Monahan said. "The Republicans of course would like to have it earlier, but moving it around just to get in the game at this point is probably highly unlikely."

Just last January Republican leaders said they were hopeful New Mexico would have an impact in the primary race and that Presidential candidates would spend plenty of time here. However, Romney has not come to New Mexico yet and his state campaign chairman says there are no plans for him to visit in the near future.

Back in 2008, the State Democratic Party kept its primary in June, but organized a caucus in February to get a bigger say in the Democratic Presidential race. There were some serious snags though. There were long lines and it took weeks to count the votes.

This year voters from both parties can vote early or vote next Tuesday, but November's Presidential ballot is already done.