Fully open primaries are a must, and yet, many states still have fully closed primaries. My question is if the primaries in closed states are exclusively for the benefit of the respective parties, why are these primaries publicly funded? These parties are private organizations that should fund their own primaries. Only fully open primaries that are open to All registered voters should be publicly funded. That would certainly decrease the viability of extremist candidates.
I know you have the answer to the question you pose. Primaries are funded by the public because those who benefit most from the primaries - Democrats and Republicans - also are the ones who make the funding decisions.
Fully open primaries are a must, and yet, many states still have fully closed primaries. My question is if the primaries in closed states are exclusively for the benefit of the respective parties, why are these primaries publicly funded? These parties are private organizations that should fund their own primaries. Only fully open primaries that are open to All registered voters should be publicly funded. That would certainly decrease the viability of extremist candidates.
I know you have the answer to the question you pose. Primaries are funded by the public because those who benefit most from the primaries - Democrats and Republicans - also are the ones who make the funding decisions.
A great piece, Tom. Brilliant. k