198 Could Take the Party Out of the Primary

A little-noticed ballot measure in today’s election, Proposition 198, could radically change the way Californians vote, dropping party affiliation as a condition for voting in partisan elections.

Both the Democratic and Republican parties are against the measure that they say would create havoc, taking away their control of choosing candidates.

Supporters say that the measure would allow Democrats, Republicans and independents the chance to vote for the best candidates available, help moderates and draw more people back to the political process.

Should California have open party primary elections?

Darry Sragow, Democratic political consultant:

“If voters want to give it a try on the grounds that they think some kind of reform will result, more power to them. Voters are clearly very frustrated with the political system in California. . . . If opening up the primaries will make a difference, then fine, let them.”

Paul Clarke of Northridge, political consultant:

“I think it’s a wonderful idea. . . . Surveys over the years have determined that primary elections tend to draw out those who are most conservative of the Republicans and the most liberal of the Democrats . . . If this doesn’t work, change it in four years, or six years, but I think it’s worth a try. I’m a Republican and I’ve had times when I’ve liked [a Democratic contender for nomination] and I’ll never get a chance to vote for them. . . . This is a way to get the fringe elements out of California politics.”

Wayne Fisher, chairman for the Democratic Party in the San Fernando Valley:

“I’m against it. . . . The only reason primary elections are there is for partisan elections, to choose a candidate to represent the party. Without the primary elections, anyway, you wouldn’t have a political system. The worst part about it is if people are able to cross over . . . maybe [we would] get a candidate in there that is not acceptable to the party.”

Rory O’Brien, Cal State Northridge political science professor:

“I think it’s a fine idea. A number of states use open primaries. In fact, we’re sort of becoming a little bit out of date, if you will, by not moving to this. . . . We don’t get a very good turnout for primaries. We have really an abysmal record nationwide. What that means is there is not a good cross-section of the population involved in the primary.”

Ruth Holton, executive director, California Common Cause:

“California Common Cause is opposed to the open primary because we believe the members of a political party should be allowed to determine who their candidate is for a general election. . . . If the proponents say we need this to get more moderate candidates, we think it’s too convoluted a solution. . . . If the point is to open up the primaries, why don’t we get rid of primaries altogether?”

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