Redstate

By Torched Posted in Elections — Comments (5) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

In light of all the recent discourse on primaries, I would like to propose, through our collective intelligence, different ways to go about selecting our party's nominee.

We all know by now the process of our current primary system. We cast a vote for a candidate in either a caucus or primary. Delegates are selected according to the votes, sometimes winner take all, sometimes proportional. The delegates then meet at the convention and vote based upon the outcome. Some states have a closed primary, some let independents vote, while others let anyone vote for either party. States are even now setting the dates earlier and earlier in order to influence who becomes the nominees. One thing to note is that, historically primary rules change and will be fluid for the foreseeable future. Continued...

What do we, as red state voters, see as the best way to ensure our party's nominee reflects the principals we stand for? Can we, as a party, create a primary system that could possible be adopted by all states? Or do you all prefer the current system? Here are some interesting proposals that you may or may not agree with:

1) Index the first five contests according to the highest percentage of votes cast in the last presidential election, five highest first, then in blocs of 15 states still according to the percentage. In the first five states a closed primary will be required and the delegates will be indexed to the percent of votes. All others can set according to state rules.

2) Separate all states into five regional categories: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest and Midwest. Select one state from each of the regions with the highest percentage of red votes in the last presidential election. Then, among them, index from highest to lowest; All five closed and delegates indexed. Then blocs of 10 or 15 are created from the next 2 or 3 highest states in the different regions, all set according to state rules.

3) Keep current system intact but all states must have closed primaries.

4) Keep all states rules intact and create a single day for all primaries.

5) Pick 5 to 10 states that we feel represent our core party best and let them vote first similarly to our current system. The rest vote on a single day.

Quick analysis of each:
1) This option will give the most conservative candidate the most momentum bar none. It may also alienate states that are more diverse or swing states.
2) Gives a strong conservative candidate with broad regional appeal the momentum. It is fair to all regions but still might alienate larger, more diverse swing states.
3) Keeps old regulars happy. Swing voters get no say which may alienate them.
4) This takes away identity politics since no one will get momentum. It will force voters to pick based on principal. Downside is smaller campaigns with little to no money will be alienated.
5) Gives a solid conservative candidate. States that are picked might need to be changed again one day.

The above are only a few that I came up with. Do you agree with any? What is the best/worst? Do you have a suggestion? Feel free to destroy any of the above.

I forgot to mention this is my first diary here. Hello, Redstate!