OPINION: Time to reform our primary system

Frank Gillispie

OPINION: Time to reform our primary system

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Tuesday, July 17. 2012

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I have a problem with the upcoming primaries. There are two candidates in the primaries that I highly admire and to whom I wish to give my vote. One is a Democrat; the other is a Republican.

The problem is that we are required to choose one ballot, we cannot vote in both primaries. So I have to support only one of my friends and abandon the other! If I find it impossible to do that, then I have no other choice but to not take part in the primaries.

The solution would be for the state of Georgia to use the same primary system as the state of Louisiana. There, all candidates of all parties or independents run in the same primary. In each race, the top two candidates go on to the general election. All voters have the ability to choose from all candidates.

The most interesting part of this system is the possibility of having two candidates from the same party on the general election ballot. If the top two candidates are from the same party, then both of them go to the general ballot and the other parties are shut out. You could have two Republicans running for one state house seat, two Democrats running for another, and two Independents running for a third.

The key factor that makes this system so appealing to me is that each voter can support candidates from all political persuasions. They are not limited to one party as we are here. If Georgia had this system, I would be able to support both of my preferred candidates.

To make it even more fair, I would like to see the remainder of our local races be non-partisan. Already in Madison County, the Board of Education, and all judicial races are non-partisan races. Candidates for those offices do not list a party affiliation on the ballot. I think the same should be true of candidates for Board of Commissioners, and all constitutional offices such as Sheriff, Tax Commissioner, Clerk of Court and all other local offices.

I am not alone in this opinion. At least one one leading Madison County Democrat has expressed his agreement with this policy.
A fair and open primary would allow all voters to choose from all available candidates, thus assuring that “We the People” have the ability to pick candidates that represent us, not the various political organizations.

Our first President George Washington warned us about the dangers of partisan politics. We should have paid attention and not get caught up in partisan fighting. We need candidates who will represent us, not political parties.

Frank Gillispie is founder of The Madison County Journal. His e-mail address is frank@frankgillispie.com. His website can be accessed at http://www.frankgillispie.com/gillispieonline.

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#1 Ben Had on 07/17/12 at 06:00 AM [Reply]

Frank, you crazy ol' coot...
Wait a minute, I agree with everything you said.

#2 Virginia Moss on 07/17/12 at 03:45 PM [Reply]

".... I would like to see the remainder of our local races be non-partisan."

Now you're talking sense, Mr. Gillispie!

First and foremost, it would stop the uninformed voters from blindly voting an "R" slate. Maybe it would even encourage them to actually inform themselves of the issues and the candidates (or simply do us all a favor and not vote at all, which for them is easiest of all). Then the best local person, who has the courage to step up to serve the rest of us, could present themselves on the basis of practical issues, ideas and personal integrity.

Louisiana is a great state to look at for what doesn't work. We finally are getting the message across to the majority of people that party politics has succumbed to its predicted failure; we should follow President Washington's advice (he wasn't the only one to give this warning, but I can't recall the others at this moment). I would like to see a complete rebuilding of our electoral system from the ground up with full consideration of the many realities of the 21st. century, including computerized citizen input, more direct citizen decisions and the removal of money from the campaign process. I'm certainly not advocating rule by the masses, though!

#2.1 Angela S. on 07/18/12 at 10:59 AM [Reply]

"First and foremost, it would stop the uninformed voters from blindly voting an "R" slate."

Funny, I was thinking exactly the same thing about the "D" straight ticket voters. People who seem to know nothing else about the world around them are aware of which boxes need to be checked for bread and circuses.

#2.1.1 Virginia Moss on 07/20/12 at 12:47 PM [Reply]

Thanks for noting my ommission; I meant to include both, as neither party is working for the citizens any more. Sorry for the oversight. I agree with your sentiments.

#2.1.1.1 America B-4 Party. on 07/29/12 at 08:57 AM [Reply]

Try being a non partisan on the ballot and you don't get to vote for anything and very few candidates. Why is that? Those candidates and referendums and State Constitutional Amendments effect us too? Brian Kemp's crooked republican election system is so rigged in my opinion. Time to toss them all out with force because nothing else will work. The totalitarian system of government we have now only exists by deception and force . Now that their lies are being exposed what do they have left? If its a revolution they want then I say lets take it to them. Talking to these lying scum bags has little to no effect because they don't represent us anymore. Its all about the party and whats best for them and their special interest period.

#2.1.1.1.1 Critical Thinker on 07/29/12 at 08:26 PM [Reply]

"Talking to these lying scum bags has little to no effect because they don't represent us anymore. Its all about the party and whats best for them and their special interest period."

This is an informed citizen. Listen to him/her. Now, how shall we conduct this coming revolution? The Occupiers made a start, but the sheeple shouted them down, said they were pointless, they were selfish, lazy, unclean, stupid people. Who are the real fools here?

#2.2 John Birch on 07/20/12 at 09:02 AM [Reply]

Is it not enough to mislead people on Health Care that now misleading people on the more informed is your agenda?
The following study done by a left leaning organization proves your self righteous assumption that left leaners/socialist are not the most informed:http://cfif.org/v/index.php/commentary/54/1357-pew-research-republicans-more-knowledgeable-than-democrats.

Dear Ms. Moss this is not a personal attack just an attempt to set the record straight and report truth.

#2.2.1 Virginia Moss on 07/21/12 at 01:02 PM [Reply]

My goodness. My unintended ommission has really sparked some intereste here, as it should. My target is uninformed voters of any stripe, people who simply do what others tell them to do without question. If my several posts fail to convey that, then I feel there is a reading comprehension problem. I cannot correct my error here as there is no edit feature (rather frustrating).

"Is it not enough to mislead people on Health Care that now misleading people on the more informed is your agenda?"

You note that your comments are not a personal attack on me and yet you accuse me of an agenda of misleading people. That's a personal attack. I have no intention of misleading anyone for any reason; if anyone wants to blindy follow my views, then I would prefer they not go vote. Constructive comments, debate and discussion can be useful, but attacks and unsupported claims are completely useless. Allow me to reword your post a bit for you:

I disagree with your views on our health care debate and now I must counter your ideas on uninformed voters. (Then you go one to say why.)

#2.3 John Birch on 07/20/12 at 10:28 AM [Reply]

OMG could it be possible that democrats lie about taxes and caring for the little man?! Say it ain't so Virginia:http://www.redandblack.com/news/republican-led-companies-pay-more-in-taxes-than-democratic-led/article_57f067fc-d027-11e1-be70-0019bb30f31a.html

#2.3.1 Virginia Moss on 07/21/12 at 01:13 PM [Reply]

Mr. Birch, why are you addressing your comments directly to me? This is a public forum with many readers; you are ignoring and excluding them all with your narrow focus on me.

I haven't gone to your link, but I could respond in your style by saying that Republican-led businesses pay more taxes because they make more money because they are viciously greedy, out-sourcing overseas for slave-labor rates and ripping off American consumers right and left (no pun intended, but if the shoe fits....).

#2.3.1.1 John Birch on 07/23/12 at 05:30 AM [Reply]

This is the very problem with your opinionated and irrational comments. Had the article been read then the hatred in your soul for hard working small business owners possibly would not have been stated in a public forum.

The article says that comparable businesses run by GOP leaders are more risk adverse and not as willing to rip off the system.

#2.3.1.1.1 Virginia Moss on 07/23/12 at 07:14 PM [Reply]

".... Republican-led businesses pay more taxes because they make more money because they are viciously greedy, out-sourcing overseas for slave-labor rates and ripping off American consumers right and left (no pun intended, but if the shoe fits....).

Umm ..... that was sarcasm and the pun referred to the "right and left" remark. I do not believe such is true of Republican-led businesses nor of any business. I'm sorry I wasn't more clear on that. I am a small business owner; have been for 32 years. I have no hatred in my soul, my heart or my head for anything. The effort to hate is huge and I'm too lazy to make the effort. Besides, life is too short and the effort to love is soooo much more rewarding.

#2.4 Runningdear on 07/21/12 at 01:30 AM [Reply]

So you are saying that all voters who vote Republican must be either uninformed or too stupid to vote? Or are you just hoping that the Republicans won't vote period? Yes, I did read your entire post and it shows an extreme bias against those who vote Republican.

IF this country has a one party system of Government then it will no longer be a Democracy. We live in A Republic , with a Democratic form of Government. Not a Democracy with some people who are too stupid to be anything except Republicans.

Modern America has adopted the newer methods of voting. Computers have been being used for years- even in this county so I believe it is fair to say that we know what century it is . As for taking money out of the political process it isn't likely to ever happen.
I do agree that citizen input would be great. I would love to have our Government meetings broadcast over internet as done in other American cities. So that those who have to stay home can still hear and participate. That would probably not happen in this county for many more years. ?

#2.4.1 Virginia Moss on 07/21/12 at 03:22 PM [Reply]

As I have already posted several times, I unintentionally omitted the "D" in my original post. In addition, I also make typos, misspell words and use punctuation inappropriately. I cannot edit my error so I guess it will continue to inspire at least some reasonable comments like the last part of the above post. However, I suspect my post was read with the "extreme bias" of their own viewpoint which blinded them to my point in several posts that the party system is not serving the citizens well. ATTENTION ! That means BOTH parties. Am I clear?

"Modern America has adopted the newer methods of voting. Computers have been being used for years- even in this county so I believe it is fair to say that we know what century it is."

I sense unnecessary defensiveness in that comment; did they think I was denigrating Madison County? Why would they discern that from my comment? It seems folks read what they want to hear instead of what the words say. My point is that technology is not being utilized as effectively as it could be between government and citizens all across our country.

"As for taking money out of the political process it isn't likely to ever happen."

Does that mean we shouldn't try, at least to some extent?

"I do agree that citizen input would be great. I would love to have our Government meetings broadcast over internet as done in other American cities. So that those who have to stay home can still hear and participate. That would probably not happen in this county for many more years."

This is one really good idea! One can currently go online and review the video record of the commission meetings, but the quality is so poor that I can't make out half of what is said or who is saying it. A written transcription of the entire meeting would be nice instead or in addition (at least the minutes).

#2.4.2 JIMMY on 07/23/12 at 09:06 PM [Reply]

We need a new party to replace the democrat party,that has no ties to the extrim left wing of the democrat in the us. The extrim left is to social for most Americans including my self.

#2.4.2.1 Mr.K on 07/24/12 at 09:47 AM [Reply]

But the extreme right is okay with you?

#3 tj on 07/17/12 at 04:29 PM [Reply]

@ Virginia Moss "First and foremost, it would stop the uninformed voters from blindly voting an "R" slate .Maybe it would even encourage them to actually inform themselves of the issues and the candidates (or simply do us all a favor and not vote at all, which for them is easiest of all).

I think you meant to put a "D" instead of the R.

#3.1 Virginia Moss on 07/19/12 at 01:39 PM [Reply]

Thanks so much for catching my oversight! I intended both "R" and "D" slates, most decidedly! It's all the same blindness either way and both parties take advantage of that blindness to the detriment of all of us.

#4 Anonymous on 07/17/12 at 05:43 PM [Reply]

Louisiana is one of the most, if not THE most corrupt state in the nation. Yeah Frank, let's model our election system after that cess pool.

#4.1 Virginia Moss on 07/20/12 at 01:06 PM [Reply]

I have to agree with the corruption (cesspool doesn't apply, though), but at least they tried something different. I suspect it was not for the right reason, though.

#5 dog on 07/19/12 at 02:17 PM [Reply]

If I was a democrat I wouldn't want it known either in an election.

#6 Ron Paul Supporter on 07/22/12 at 12:39 PM [Reply]

After the egregious actions by the GOP towards Ron Paul Supporters I wouldn't be to proud of boasting I was one of those guys either.
By the way he hasn't dropped out of the race he will be at the National Convention on the weekend of 8-26-2012.
Where is the reporting on this ? Its all Romney and Obama as if the nominating process was already over.
Why is that ?
Sure wouldn't have anything to do with citizens united and the corporate owned press just reporting what the ultra rich who own and control that press want you think would it?

#7 V on 07/23/12 at 01:01 PM [Reply]

The republican party is no longer the party of limited goverment. I say put Obama back in maybe they will come for our guns. That will be a wonderful day.

#7.1 Tao on 07/23/12 at 07:42 PM [Reply]

V your input is insightful. The two parties are now only separated by how fast or slow we get to socialist government.

#7.1.1 A. Smith on 07/24/12 at 12:23 PM [Reply]

I agree 100%. The only thing most conservative politicians are interested in conserving is their own power and position. If they have to compromise for the sake of popularity, so be it.

They apparently think if they lag behind the liberals a bit we won't notice they're headed down the same path.

#8 Anonymous on 07/23/12 at 09:59 PM [Reply]

I'm a die-hard Republican, but my family will be voting for Obama. A Mormon in the White House? NO WAY. NO HOW. At least Obama is a Christian. Mormonism is more like a crazy cult.

#8.1 len on 07/24/12 at 01:06 PM [Reply]

No way you are a die-hard Republican! I don't believe for a moment that Obama is a Christian.You are a racist against Mormonism.

#8.2 Daniel on 07/24/12 at 02:23 PM [Reply]

So your vote is based on the candidate's religion? Maybe you should do us all a favor by not voting.

#8.2.1 Ben Had on 07/25/12 at 06:09 AM [Reply]

Too funny. As long as he cuts taxes for the rich everything is cool, right Daniel?
Besides, all of these religions are just "crazy cults" that have been used by politicians and rulers throughout history, mostly for the gain of wealth and natural resources.
Somethings never change.

#8.2.1.1 Anonymous on 07/25/12 at 07:35 PM [Reply]

As long as he cuts taxes for the rich everything is cool, right Daniel?

As long as he cuts taxes for "everyone" who pays taxes. That's the fair thing to do. What's funny is your wealth envy and blatant disdain for the evil, filthy rich, aka job producers/creators.

#8.2.1.1.1 Ben Had on 07/26/12 at 04:11 PM [Reply]

Man, you sound like you've been watching Fox News just a little too much lately.
I'm sure I pay more in income taxes than you earn, and I have been a "job creator" most of my adult life.
It's hard for you brainwashed folks to even consider someone that makes money being opposed to your nonsense, but I'm sure you have never been in the position of choosing between greed and the right thing to do.
I doubt seriously I would envy anyone you might know personally.

#9 CommonSense on 07/24/12 at 10:42 PM [Reply]

I have thought the same thing. Why sould I have to pick all Republicans or all Democrats when I don't associate myself with either.
I am one of those people that votes on the right sometimes and the left sometimes. I make up my mind by what I feel is the right thing or who is the right person.

One thing I would love to see is all political parties disbanded. You could do it the same way as Frank suggested with all candidates in the same primary then the top two candidates go on to the general election. But no one declares a party affiliation so you have no party alliances. Every man for himself and what his heart tells him. No voting this way because that's what my party is doing or that way because I want my party's vote come election day. You have politicians voting for what they believe is best for the American people.
It's time for a MAJOR overhaul of our government and election system.

#10 mmmm on 07/30/12 at 03:30 AM [Reply]

what in the world is in the drinking water up in Madison County

#10.1 Ben Had on 07/30/12 at 10:06 AM [Reply]

Hint: Cows are watering upstream.

#10.2 Mr.K on 07/30/12 at 10:56 AM [Reply]

Iron, sulphur and a bit of salt, floride and chlorine. What's your point mmmmm? Do you have an opinion? Can you not express yourself here?

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OPINION: Time to reform our primary system

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