At our next Republican Convention here in California, the most important vote we take may be the vote to close our primary elections, ensuring that people are Republicans before they can choose who will represent our party on the ballot. Since 1999 when we opened our primaries to those who do not join a party, we have had no noteworthy statewide electoral success from primary-nominated Republicans (our dear Governor Schwarzenegger, remember, bypassed the primary process in the recall of Governor Gray Davis).I have long been opposed to open primaries in any form, whether open to all voters or GOP plus independents. If someone isn't willing to declare themselves a member of the Republican Party, they have no business participating in the nominating decision.So the benefits of the open primary have been shown to be minimal. Yet a certain coalition of Republicans will be fighting hard to keep our primaries open. Notable in that coalition are the backers of Meg “I’m a huge fan of Van Jones” Whitman, candidate for Governor; Carly “The fundamental objective [of HP is] to be a good international citizen” Fiorina, candidate for Senate; and of course Governor Arnold “Right-wing crazies” Schwarzenegger. See a pattern?
Let's hope the state party finally figures that out.
Posts
2 comments:
What is the use of having a Republican Party if you are going to let all other sorts of political thinking vote for your slate of people running for office.
This open convention does not make any sense at all. If the Republican Parts doesn't come to its senses soon and go back to its roots they will be a party of the past and Independents, etc. will far outrun them. It is time for the leaders of the Republican Party to wake up.
I've watched the "modified open primary" (MOP) election code in California up close and firsthand for many years, as I volunteer as an Election Inspector for my precinct. All this does is invite those not part of your party, not a believer in what your party stands for, to come in to make decisions on who will run for office from your party. . . all the while requiring *NOTHING* from these interlopers. Oftentimes these voters don't really have any firm convictions on who should be chosen for office. . . and I have several anecdotal stories to back that up from my service as an Election Inspector. Family business should be made with family members. . . not in-laws, friends, or those outside.
Supporters of MOP say it opens up the election process to more voters (barring those from certain other registered parties). They ignore the *very purpose* of a primary - which is different than an election (such as a general election). Primaries are for family members - party members - to pick their candidates for the election to come. Elections determine who will win for whatever position a person may run for. Elections are when you want any registered voter, party member or not, to come out to vote (in principle). NOT primaries!
I support straight closed primaries in California and elsewhere. Cleaner politics that way. You want to choose a candidate, commit to declaring oneself a member of that particular political party! You may always re-register to another political party later if you desire.
While I'm thinking about elections and what needs to be reformed, I'd love to get back to a state issued picture ID requirement to vote. If a peace officer requires it when asked as one is out in public, why can't it be done at the polling place? Many of my voters still show it anyways, despite the liberal revision of the election code.
Lastly, the teachers unions have acquired an unfair advantage by having many election precincts located inside of union (government) schools. We need to go back to private citizens homes (patios, garages, etc.) where the union influence and all too easy access for that voting block may be negated, and open it up to a more level playing field. . . such as a private residence. The Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters has a policy in place of disfavoring private residences and favoring schools, businesses, etc. as polling locations. Whether they know it or not, this favors the NEA and CTA crowd, not the average citizen and voter.
Much food for thought. . .
Post a Comment