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The Coalition for National Referendum receives a lot of email, a lot of which proposes issues to be considered as national referendums. Over the past few weeks we've received a lot of requests concerning the Primary system in the United States. A lot of views were expressed about the current state of the system, along with what could or should be done about it. In response to these requests, we've compiled the sentiments expressed and have posted them here, and we are now holding a National Referendum on this issue.
The present Presidential Primary and Caucus system is in chaos. Unless significant changes are made, the Primary System is in jeopardy of destroying itself. The way the nominees of the Republican and Democratic Parties are selected has nothing to do with the original intent of the Primary system. The Primary system was designed so that candidates would campaign face to face with the voters. A candidate that had good ideas could slowly build momentum by winning early Primaries and Caucuses, and then go on to be competitive for the nomination of his or her Party. The present chaotic system is so "front loaded" (Primaries and Caucuses occurring early and in a very short period of time) that the nominees of the major Parties will in effect be determined by March 7, 2000. To be competitive in the present chaotic Primary system a candidate MUST raise $50 to $100 million BEFORE the first voter casts his or her vote. At the same time, States that hold Primaries or Caucuses want their elections to occur early in the process. These States rightly believe that if their Primary or Caucus does not come at the beginning of the selection process, their State will be irrelevant. How do the American people feel about the present Primary system ? The answer: Voter turnout is pathetically low. Is this chaotic Primary system the best way to elect the leader of the Free World ? The National Referendum question that is being voted on leaves that decision where it rightfully belongs to the owners of the country - the American people. The National Referendum question states that Iowa should retain its position as the first Caucus State, and New Hampshire should retain itís position as the first Primary State. The reason is that these States have historically come first. After Iowa and New Hampshire there would be a limit of three States that could hold Primaries or Caucuses in any given week. This system would restore the original intent of the Primary system. The reason for a Constitutional Amendment is that there
is NO other way to fix the system. At present, Political Parties
have the right to try and schedule the Primaries and Caucuses
as they see fit. At present, States have the right to schedule
their Primary or Caucus as they see fit. Congress CANNOT pass
a law to require Political Parties or States to hold Presidential
Primaries or Caucuses at a certain time. This leaves no choice
but to Amend the Constitution.
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