GOP Approves Changes To 2012 Primary Calendar

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Republican National Committee has approved a 2012 presidential primary calendar in which caucuses and primaries begin after Feb. 1.

The plan allows only Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada to hold their contests in February. States that divide up delegates proportionally would be permitted to vote in March and winner-take-all states would go in April.

Two-thirds of the committee had to vote to approve the plan. Of the 144 members, 103 voted to pass it.

The plan's adoption had been uncertain because of concerns that it would hurt the GOP's eventual nominee. Critics worried about extending the GOP's process when President Barack Obama, if he seeks re-election, likely won't face a primary.