Monday, March 21, 2011

Because We Can't Be Trusted

California Republicans convened this past weekend and decided that some elections don't matter, especially if they challenge the powers of the those in control of the two main parties.

California Republicans voted Sunday to enact a sweeping end-run around the spirit of the "top-two primary" system adopted by voters, deciding to conduct a mail-in nominating process with all registered GOP voters before the primary election. ...

The move is an attempt to blunt the effects of Proposition 14, which changed the system to allow candidates from all parties to compete in a primary, after which the top two vote getters compete in a general election — even if the two candidates are from the same party. The ballot measure, approved last year, was intended to create competition and loosen the grip that the state's most partisan voters have on primary elections. Democrats are expected to take up the matter when they hold their convention next month.

Under the GOP measure approved Sunday, the candidate who wins the mail-in nomination contest will be listed as the official Republican candidate on party mailers and will have access to party resources.


Prop 14, passed last November, was an attempt to return the nominating process to the people of California, something at least one of the two parties finds unconscionable. The other party, whose leaders must also be worried about the loss of some power to set the agenda, will shortly be dealing with the issue. Both parties are clearly not happy that the voters decided they want to make the choices. After all, what does the run-of-the-mill voter know about what's best for the state and what's best for themselves?

It really is a tough time for democracy right now.

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