I am a daughter of an elected official who grew up in the ’50s in North Dakota, where our elective process was relatively simple.
Each precinct, municipality and county had caucuses that sent party members to the state convention to nominate a slate of candidates for office.
(The national convention was a top tier of this process.)
Those who participated in politics who had proven their worth and dedication to the people and the party were chosen to run against other similarly qualified people.
We voted at the convention in May for state officials and in June or July at the national conventions.
The election was held in November and we campaigned for a mere three to four months at minimal cost.
Yes, there were conflicts, and I can remember a few slugfests when impassioned caucuses turned to local law enforcement for resolution. Candidates didn’t have to be millionaires or politically beholden to large donors.
They got the word out.
They did extensive personal interviews.
And they published their ideas in newspapers.
Now we are soaked with negative ads for years prior to the election.
We are telemarketed to the point of rage.
And we are told we should vote for the candidate who has successfully financed his or her way to the last vote with money promised for votes that favor the PAC (political action committee).
Polls are predicting outcomes before a single ballot is cast.
Who wouldn’t be discouraged?
The primary system has alienated voters by elevating those to positions of elected leadership who are well-financed but not experienced enough to govern.
I ask you:
Would Abraham Lincoln have emerged in a system such as this one?
Of course not.
He would have had to sell his soul to the highest bidder to hold the office that he filled so well.
Voters have been forced to accept a system that is not democratic, a web of sound bytes, questionable polls, slander and lack of substance.
Look at the national office holders who were elected by the old system and tell me they were inferior to those who spend millions of dollars to get elected.
Then tell me the primary system is better.
