New Mexico Republicans would be wise to walk away from the semi-open election primaries the majority legislative Democrats have shoved down their throat in this state. The Democrat Party excels at dirty tricks and you couldn’t get much dirtier than using this new technique to mess around with the election of their rivals.
As an independent myself, I am not at all offended by not being allowed in either party’s primary. I chose that status and I can live with that. But as probably one of the few conservative independents in North Valley Albuquerque, and after having talked to many people here, I’d bet very good money that most independents in this city and state are liberal. It is so chic and modern to pretend you are above the fray when in reality you are as partisan as a poodle in a cat fight.
No, next year the Republicans would be better off holding a nominating convention somewhere in the state or using mail-in ballots or Internet votes to decide who runs under the party’s banner. Let Republicans pick Republicans and Democrats pick Democrats.
Having independents helping to choose Republican candidates would be like PETA driving by to select your dinner at a steak house. You'd be lucky if you got chocolate mousse for desert.
© Clyde James Aragon
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