Editorial: Democrats finally have meaningful primary

GOSHEN NEWS (Goshen, Ind.)

March 27, 2008 02:08 pm

— Editorial: Democrats finally have meaningful primary

Opinion: The Goshen (Ind.) News

It is heartening for Hoosier voters to be wooed by presidential candidates, and for the primary election to be considered meaningful in the nominating contest.
Hopefully this will encourage a large turnout in the May 6 primary election.
But with the Republican nomination sewed up by John McCain, will some GOP voters be tempted to help change the outcome of the Democratic primary?
Indiana voters can be challenged for switching party affiliation at the polls, but, as a practical matter, this rarely happens. Unlike Ohio, where voters must actually swear allegiance to a party and face a felony conviction for lying on the pledge, Hoosiers just request a Democratic or a Republican ballot.
The party affiliation is a matter of public record, however, so anyone can inquire whether a voter flip-flopped in a primary election. It may only mean a voter will receive campaign literature from both parties. But there could be repercussions if a voter wanted to seek elective or appointive office.
However, the most significant concern for Elkhart County voters is that Republicans may ignore contests for state and local offices in their quest to help select a presidential candidate. There is viable GOP competition in the primary for state senator, state representative, county commissioner and County Council nominations.
Republican voters always have the most ballot choices in Elkhart County primary elections. This is true again this year, but Democrats will have the enviable task of helping nominate a presidential candidate.
But Republican voters shouldn’t cut off their nose to spite their face, especially since all voters will help decide on a presidential candidate this fall.