A Resolution Opposing the Open Primary in 2010
WHEREAS passage of Senate Constitutional Amendment 4, not only lacks legitimacy, but also encourages the minority party to commit acts of political blackmail and extortion in the future, and
WHEREAS it is a fundamental right of political parties to choose their nominees for office in accordance with the constitutionally protected right of Freedom of Association, and further, the open primary clearly violates that right by forcing political parties to admit nonmembers into the nominating process and thus enabling the election of candidates who do not support their party's philosophy or platform, and
WHEREAS the proposed open primary will increase campaign spending, strengthen the influence of special interests, weaken party cohesiveness, and expand the opportunity for manipulative and deceitful electoral practices such as concealing party affiliation, the running of stalking horse candidates, and the gaming of results through organized crossover voting,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northern Solano Democratic Club opposes approval of Senate Constitutional Amendment Four, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Northern Solano Democratic Club calls upon all members of the California Democratic Party, especially our elected officials, to campaign to defeat the measure at the polls.
March 9, 2009