An Internet hub for moderates, centrists, and independents, with domestic and international news, analysis, original reporting, and popular features from the left, center, and right

« Yet Another Forever War Anniversary: OBL, GWB, The Politics of Fear & Much More

Progressives Seize the Moment »

Washington State Levels the Playing Field for Moderates

Posted by PAUL SILVER in At TMV.
Mar 19th, 2008 | Comments


Supreme Court Upholds Washington’s ‘Open’ Primary

The Supreme court voted 7 to 2 to allow Washington to go forward with its new electoral structure, under which the top two vote-getters in the open primary advance to the general election, regardless of party. That means two Democrats or two Republicans could end up facing each other in November in a gubernatorial or congressional contest, with the other party left on the outside looking in.

Both the state Democratic party and the state GOP strongly opposed the new system, arguing that it deprived them of the right to pick their own nominees as they see fit.

It seems to me that this novel approach increases the chances that a moderate not locked into party allegiance can move forward in elections. The only requirement is to be persuasive.

  • domajot
    Maybe I don't understand the consequences correctly, but I fail to see the progress in this.

    If the two on the ballot are from the same party, why would members of the unrepresented party even bother to vote? To assume that one of the two would be a moderate is a huge assumption, a shot in a complete dark. Their differencces could well be in terms of name recognition, party connections or a host of other trivial differences.

    To me, progress signifies more inclusiveness.
    How is this more inclusive?
  • GeorgeSorwell
    It seems to me that this novel approach increases the chances that a moderate not locked into party allegiance can move forward in elections.


    I think you're right about this. But Domajot is also right: it will only work if people vote in primaries.
  • PaulSilver
    To me this opens up an opportunity for the least partisan of the candidates to move ahead. Certainly it is no guarantee and moderates do have to vote in the primary but it is a small incremental advance to allow those with a more moderate temperament to reach the general election. Previously the only two to reach the general election would be one from each party.
  • DLS
    Actually, it's more fuel for Superdestroyer's one-party-USA (Democratic) catastrophe in a number of states.

    http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/03/19/supreme...
  • domajot
    Paul,
    I'm not saying you are wrong. I just don't see that the ends this is aiming for neccssarily, logicallyl follow the methodology.
    I'm a bit afreaid of unforseen consequences., like the Domocrats' well intended reforms leading to caucuses superdelegates, and the current disarray.

    I put more hope in eliminating gerrymandered districts and public financing of elections.

    We'll see what happens. At any rate, one state forging a change is a handy test tube for the nation.
blog comments powered by Disqus
© 2005-2009 The Moderate Voice | Site design by Elegant Themes | Site customization, hosting, and security by Enxit Group, LLC