An Ol' Broad's Ramblings
Close The Primaries
I’m going to have to disagree with Michael Silence! I see no logic to his argument that closing the primaries to party affiliation would ‘suppress’ the vote. Not sure where there is a ‘country club’ around the Podunk area, either. 
If you aren’t a Republican, or Republican leaning, why should you choose who I end up voting for in the general election? Doesn’t make a bit of sense to have such open primaries.
Ok, here is a scenario for ya: Let’s say the Democrats mostly support a particular candidate, but those of the opposition know that the other Dem candidate in the primary would be much easier to beat. Is it ok for everyone on the Republican side to go and vote for the primary candidate that can be easily beat, there by, denying the Democrats the candidate of their choice?
Well, I see it the same way on the Republican side. Why should a bunch of Democrats choose who will be my general election choice? I may be registered as a Republican, cuz that’s how it works these days, but I’m more of a CONSERVATIVELY independent minded type. HOWEVER, I will vote 99% for the one closer to the “right”, as opposed to the one leaning so far left, he/she is on the verge of falling over, no matter the party affiliation.
From Blue Collar Muse and the resolution on Facebook :
… our state should move to a system of registration by party and should structure our primaries so the political parties cannot interfere in other parties’ primary elections and county party organization. Republicans deserve the opportunity to conduct our primaries free of influence from others and with the belief that we are selecting candidates who truly believe in the principles of limited conservative government. This is merely a long overdue first step and the final decision rests with the legislature and the new governor. But Republicans should know that their representatives at the Tennessee Republican Party are looking out for their best interests.”
Why should the Democrats have a say in who the TN GOP have as a general election candidate? And visa versa? It’s not up to the right to choose who will run on the left, but that’s a possibility as well. This, also, just might, help curb voter fraud.
