The proposition is called the Open Elections/ Open Government initiative, but it looks like a plan to create a grab bag of candidates who can claim to be Republicans, Democrats or third party candidates without the usual guidelines provided by political parties.
Under the proposed one primary scheme, all candidates would run as a long list of self identified party loyalists. The initiative prohibits traditional party primaries or any action by parties to select or vet candidates.
How can I possibly know if a candidate who claims to be a Republican or a Democrat or a third party candidate is telling the truth? How can I check their credentials without political parties to help me sort out the facts?
Supporters of Proposition 121 say the initiative will increase voter turnout by eliminating party primaries. I disagree. I think voters will be so confused about the identity of the candidates that they will throw up their hands in frustration and stay home.
Proposition 121 is not a step forward in our candidate selection process. It is a setback. Voters should reject it.
