Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

TexasTowelie

(116,554 posts)
Sun May 5, 2019, 06:53 PM May 2019

Pressure grows to loosen party grip on Pennsylvania primary

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania: Land of Disenfranchisement?

It’s not the state slogan, but Pennsylvania is in the minority of states with closed primary elections as the number of independent voters grows quickly and sparks a debate in Pennsylvania’s Legislature for the first time in memory about opening up party primaries.

It helps that it is led by a high-profile backer, the top Republican in the GOP-controlled state Senate, Joe Scarnati, who has his own story about switching his registration to independent in 2000 to get elected.

“As I look at extremism that takes place in primaries today and lack of participation, I want to increase that participation in the primary process,” Scarnati, R-Jefferson, said in an interview Wednesday. “And I think it is a start, it’s not a solution, but it is a start to start getting some moderation in our primary process.”

Read more: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2019/05/05/Pressure-grows-to-loosen-party-grip-on-Pennsylvania-primary-independents/stories/201905040080

2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Pressure grows to loosen party grip on Pennsylvania primary (Original Post) TexasTowelie May 2019 OP
I can't support this, and I don't believe it would end well for the Dems FakeNoose May 2019 #1
gee have not noticed much extremism...except in repub primaries nt msongs May 2019 #2

FakeNoose

(35,554 posts)
1. I can't support this, and I don't believe it would end well for the Dems
Sun May 5, 2019, 07:06 PM
May 2019

This would open the door for even more ratf*cking by the GOP and we've seen way too much of it already. No thanks Scarnati, keep your hands off our Democratic primary. We'll select our own candidates without your - ahem - help.

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Pennsylvania»Pressure grows to loosen ...