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February 11, 2009
Making Candidates Work for It
Justin Katz
I've been hearing that the stars are aligning behind a bill in the RI House (PDF) — introduced by Representatives Brian Newberry (R-North Smithfield, Burrillville) and Michael Marcello (D-Scituate, Cranston) — that would eliminate the straight-party, master-lever option on RI ballots.
The House Judiciary Committee is to hear testimony today, and from the news from my email box is that Operation Clean Government, Rhode Island Statewide Coalition, Common Cause, the Republican Party, and the Moderate Party, as well as former legislators June Gibbs and Sue Story will all be speaking in favor of the bill. The Moderate Party's Ken Block has put up a quick and easy email form to submit a letter of support to the General Assembly.
2:30 PM
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That's good to hear...maybe my earlier pessimism was unwarranted.
Posted by: Marc at February 11, 2009 2:44 PMIf the bill gets defeated in committee, you should pick the Democrats who vote against it as the initial targets for your run-Republicans-in-the-Democratic-primary master plan.
Posted by: Andrew at February 11, 2009 3:35 PMIf someone wants to vote for a specific candidate or party they will and this won't disrupt them from doing so. But at least they'll have to make an effort to choose their candidate and if you can't figure it out then you shouldn't be voting.
Posted by: Steve A. at February 11, 2009 3:57 PMOh Justin-
Posted by: Mike at February 11, 2009 6:54 PMSo young...
So naivee.
If this bill becomes law I'll take you out to dinner at Tweet Balzano's. Mark it down.
I'm a cheap prick. So you can guage my analysis of this bill's chances of passing.
Seems to me the pundits at one time thought Separation of Powers never had a chance! Reps. Newberry and Marcello are energetic fresh faces in the GA - one's an R and one's a D, and they are very determined. The increasing use of the straight party ballot is an embarrasment for our state and it needs to go. It's good to see all the good government organizations having elimination of the straight party vote as a top priority. Maybe the stars are aligned...
Posted by: sue story at February 12, 2009 12:31 PMSteve A wrote;
If someone wants to vote for a specific candidate or party they will and this won't disrupt them from doing so. But at least they'll have to make an effort to choose their candidate
One thing left out of this equation is those runnning for office under a party, that would receive a staight party vote, but might not otherwise without it.
Posted by: bobc at February 12, 2009 12:59 PM