Five former PA governors, three Republican and two Democrat, have called on the legislature to pass a bill mandating open primaries.
As it currently stands, only Democrats and Republicans are eligible to vote in primaries. Independents have to sit and watch from the sidelines.
The governors say it's a matter of fairness. Independents help pay for the elections. They should have a voice. Pennsylvania has 1.2 million Independent or third party members. Only seven states have closed primaries.
Proponents say open primaries will help moderate candidates succeed. Opponents believe only party members should choose candidates for the general election. A Jefferson County Republican controls the committee that has the major power over the open primary bill, and he's said he will refuse to bring it up for a vote.
A recent survey shows 74 per cent of Pennsylvania voters favor open primaries.
It reminds me of all the legislative complaining when we switch between Daylight Saving Time and Standard Time. Do something, or drop it, already.
Something is out of whack somewhere.
