The N.C. Republican Party's top legislative leaders asked party officials not to block independents from voting in the Republican primary.
Republican candidates have to form a coalition with independents to win races in the state, wrote Senate Republican Leader Phil Berger, of Eden, House Republican Leader Paul Stam, of Apex, and the party's Joint Caucus Leader, Sen. Eddie Goodall, of Charlotte. The trio dispatched a memo Thursday to their party's executive committee explaining that independent votes are critical to winning a majority in the legislature next year. The executive committee is expected to vote on a closed primary tomorrow.
The legislative leaders highlighted a recent Civitas Institute poll that showed unaffiliated voters favor Republicans in legislative races.
"All of us know at least one Conservative Republican – and probably many more – that have switched to Unaffiliated out of frustration with the national or state Republican Party," the three lawmakers wrote. "Are we sending these Conservatives the right message and encouraging them to return to the Republican Party by telling them they cannot participate in a Republican Primary and can only participate in the Democratic Primary?"
Comments
Interestingly enough, "Progressives" are just as dumb
November 22, 2009 - 4:47am — GiggleBoxCheck out the front page of James Protzman's "indy" blog.
Let's all vote Rebublican!
Re: Don't fence them out
November 20, 2009 - 6:57pm — BitterEXdemocratcan we OUTLAW the 2 dominant oppressive parties, democrackkk and republicannots and require ALL candidates they MUST RUN as UNaffiliated?
Shutting these UNnecessary 'parties' down will help restore freedom back to our state.
Re: Don't fence them out
November 20, 2009 - 10:30am — domewatcherThe Republicans definitely do not need to fence anyone out. However, they might consider building some fences to keep some in. Parts of the Berlin Wall are on sale at eBay. These days it is all about broadening your base and being less base.
Re: Don't fence them out
November 20, 2009 - 8:09am — libertypointIndependent voters and disgruntled conservatives don't need to kowtow to the Republican Party bosses. Nor do disaffected liberals and progressive have to acquiesce to the Democratic Party's abandoning of their interests.
There is a political party that can represent their views -- the Libertarian Party. Libertarians have no interest in limiting or restricting anyone's right to vote for the person of their choice, regardless of party affiliation. In fact, we don't think the State has any right to say who can form a political party, or dictate how they operate.