New strategies for the top 2 blanket primary

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In this case, there was a heavily Democratic district, and a Democrat knew he'd qualify so he encouraged people to vote for a Republican so that he'd avoid a more unpredictable Democrat vs Democrat race, and instead have an easy November win against a Republican.

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/jun/08/vargas-picks-opponent-in-race-for-congress/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[Nagas]

Not a fan of the new blanket primary. I hope it gets overturned.

[True Federalist]

Not a fan of the new blanket primary. I hope it gets overturned.

A previous version did.  Even if this version did get overturned, I would hope that the court would go for a minimal overturn that strikes down including partisan labels on the blanket primary ballot.  The only constitutional argument over it is that it interferes with the ability of the parties to freely associate.  If there are no party labels, there is no such interference.

[Vasall des Midas]

Juan Vargas is scum. That's not news.

[smoltchanov]

Not a fan of the new blanket primary. I hope it gets overturned.

I am just opposite and would like to see such primaries in ALL 50 states. There would be less partisan gerrymandering during redistricting, and more change during elections. I really very strongly dislike BOTH existing political parties as they are now....

[Jbrase]

Yet another reason why this kind of primary is horrible

[smoltchanov]

Yet another reason why this kind of primary is horrible

It's horrible only for one type of persons i don't care about - partisan "activists". And party organizations as they are, which value "ideological purity" over people's will. I don't care about such party organizations either...

[ModerateCoward]

Freedom Primary. Maybe some real left wingers get elected out of it.

[Nagas]

Not a fan of the new blanket primary. I hope it gets overturned.

I am just opposite and would like to see such primaries in ALL 50 states. There would be less partisan gerrymandering during redistricting, and more change during elections. I really very strongly dislike BOTH existing political parties as they are now....

If you dislike both existing political parties why would you want a primary that reinforces the political dichotomy? It's also disadvantageous to Reps/Dem in districts that are heavily tilted one way or the other: those registered Ds and Rs are forced to vote between two candidates that are likely nowhere near their views.

The ballot for Senate was hideous as well. I really do hope that the old primary is put into place by popular referendum. Why Prop 14 passed with a 6-point margin is beyond me.

Freedom Primary. Maybe some real left wingers get elected out of it.

"Real left winger." "Purists" like you will be the death of the party. Go Big (Tent) or go home.

[smoltchanov]

I am just opposite and would like to see such primaries in ALL 50 states. There would be less partisan gerrymandering during redistricting, and more change during elections. I really very strongly dislike BOTH existing political parties as they are now....

If you dislike both existing political parties why would you want a primary that reinforces the political dichotomy? It's also disadvantageous to Reps/Dem in districts that are heavily tilted one way or the other: those registered Ds and Rs are forced to vote between two candidates that are likely nowhere near their views.

Because this way there is a chance for moderates to be heard by both political parties. Because such system makes more likely that Democratic candidate will be... well, reasonable liberal, able to get some crossover support, not far-far-left loonie, and Republican - well, reasonable conservative, or (in proper district) even moderate. Before that loonies in both parties almost guaranteed that candidates of both parties would be very extreme. As a result (i have relatives in California and heard from them first hand) - moderates like me and my relatives were essentially denied choice - "their" candidates had no chances of winning. The only 2 choices (and both - bad) - vote for the "lesser evil" or don't vote at all..

[Torie]

Yes, the idea is to try to make more centrist types more viable. I suspect Sherman will beat Berman for example because of this system. And it gives Pubs in the Bay area something to do at last.

[smoltchanov]

Yes, the idea is to try to make more centrist types more viable. I suspect Sherman will beat Berman for example because of this system. And it gives Pubs in the Bay area something to do at last.

+1