Reply #12: I've seen too many primaries manipulated by power brokers.

[davsand]

I seriously have no idea what's up with Cegalis -v- Duckworth so I don't want either of you thinking I'm taking "sides" here-ok?

Having laid that out, I do want to interject something here about primaries. They are how the party self IDs, IF it is a level playing field. More often than not, however, the power brokers come into it behind the scenes and it just really leaves everyone bitter for a very long time.

Too many times I have been there to see "Big-wig X" (Hell no--I will never name anybody!) put people in the field that practice a scorched earth sort of strategy that just devastates local relationships. They also leave a trail a mile wide that leads right back to whoever sent them in the first place. THAT is no way to make new friends.

I will also say that I have been at meetings where possible candidates are being discussed. Quite frankly, there have been times when people who were GROSSLY unsuited to the job wanted to run. That is a huge waste of party time and resources, and we all realize that. What can be most difficult, are the times when somebody is deemed a "bad candidate" for some reason or another (usually involving some personal slight or social mis-step with a power broker) and they are, in fact, quite viable with the voters.

I've seen it happen, and I have seen races lost in the General because the power brokers backed the wrong person in the primary. As a party, we'd be ahead of the game if we figured out a way in Illinois to fund primaries that are independent of the deal makers and the power brokers. Good luck making THAT happen, however. This IS Illinois.

Luckily, I am outside this district, and I don't have to deal with this particular fight. We have Dr. David Gill to run against Tim Johnson, a GOPiglet if I've ever seen one. Our choice is quite clear and very easy.

Peace to you all.


Laura

edited for typos