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NEVADA VIEWS
Be careful what you wish for in primary vs. caucus
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SPECIAL TO THE LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Updated: Feb. 12, 2012 | 8:21 a.m.
Nevada Republicans blew it -- big time.
As such, the state became a national embarrassment -- and not just among members of the media -- thanks to royally screwing up this month's GOP presidential caucus. In fact, some have suggested (kiddingly, I think) sending in international monitors for future caucuses.
And no matter how often Nevada Republican National Committeeman Bob List does his "Baghdad Bob" imitation, this caucus was a disaster. Not a crisis, mind you. A disaster.
Yet many are treating this as a crisis demanding immediate government intervention -- which should cause an automatic recoil by conservatives and Republicans. But it's not. Which means the GOP could soon be adding insult to injury.
The "cure" being proposed by many -- including the media -- for the Clark County GOP's agonizing failure to count ballots and report totals in a timely fashion, is to dump Nevada's presidential caucus system and hold a primary instead. Well, boys and girls, be careful what you wish for.
A primary (estimated cost: $1 million) would be paid for by the taxpayers -- not the party and not the candidates. As such, there will be tremendous pressure to allow non-Republicans to vote in it. Which means a lot of people with no real philosophical belief system -- including many who are downright ill-informed and ignorant -- will be helping to choose the party's nominee.
What could go wrong with that, right?
Seriously, why in the world should Republican Central Committee members, foot soldiers and conservative activists -- who spend a lot of time and effort getting to know the issues and the candidates -- encourage independents and "fair weather" Republicans to come out and vote in a slam-bam-thank-you-ma'am primary rather than a caucus?
Oh, and by the way: To legislatively switch from the caucus system to a primary, both major parties are going to have to agree. And you know the Democrats are going to insist on allowing same-day registration. Any bets on how the spines-of-jello Republicans in the Legislature will vote on that? Do Republicans want to re-open that can of worms?
In addition, a primary means candidates will have to spend more money on mass media -- which gives a significant advantage to monied special interests and candidates anointed by the establishment, while virtually wiping out the importance of dedicated, highly informed and deeply involved caucus-going Republicans.
Indeed, a primary means candidates will rely on TV and radio advertising rather than, you know, actually campaigning, face-to-face with voters identified as likely to participate in a caucus.
If the Nevada GOP wants to get serious about becoming an effective political organization, the answer is to master the current system, not turn it over to the government. So let it be written; so let it be done.
Chuck Muth is president of Citizen Outreach and founder of CampignDoctor.com. He blogs at MuthsTruths.com. He may be reached at chuck@chuckmuth.com.
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Chuck Mouth's clown car of candidates went off a cliff. Looks like 4 more years. Look at right wing talk radio. Many stations are dumping conservative and going to music or news. The Republicans are a dying demographic. The only young people are backing Ron Paul and he rides in the back of the bus.
RIP Republican Party
Chuck rocks!
Want to know the outcome of an open primary system? Look at Massachusetts. I really can't see Democrats disliking this idea.
So Harry got Tom and Sherm out of the way and Stephens hires Chuck Muth. Good one Harry. Good move Stephens.
I’d love to see all elections follow the caucus model and add a requirement that all voters need to pass a short written test (in English) about their knowledge of the Constitution, the proper role of government, the difference between rights and government handouts, etc.
The last primary got you Angle...who beat the chicken lady.....you can control who gets elected more with a caucus than an election...the less people involved in the process the more control you have over the out come..and the repubs work hard at limiting participation.
LVFacts. Primaries would be for both parties. But you've specifically mentioned Republicans. I'm sure your tune will change next cycle when you Democrats try to find someone worse than the OJT President.
Elections are the heart and soul of our country. If there was only one thing that taxpayer’s money was spent on, it should be all public elections. It is just too bad that people are more interested in reality TV than what goes on in the World the Country and the State.
Primaries that permit early voting and longer hours would be more available. Few voters understood the caucus system - many didn't show up because they didn't want to be forced at bayonet point into the sausage factory and waste 3 hours of their time. These are the two main reasons turnout was low. I was a asst precinct captain in Minden. We had enough civic minded voters to fill our delegate quota, but most people walked in, voted, and left. Either do a better job of explaining the caucus system or change to primaries.
Primary's should be funded by the political parties not the tax payers. Primary's do not benefit the public at large, merely the party represented. IF the party wants to select its candidates, so be it, but let them foot the bill. As a matter of fact, we should not have to declare our political allegiance when registering to vote. Its none of the government's business. If Republicrats are truly for less government, that's a cause they should heartily embrance. Don't bet on it!
"Be careful what you wish for".
For a moment I thought that headline was about Barack Obama (or Harry Reid).