The Ravalli County Republican Central Committee has become part of a lawsuit to “close” the Republican primary; i.e., exclude voters who are not Republicans. This disenfranchises independents and others who wish to weigh in on which candidates make it to the general election. Montanans are independent people who historically vote for the person, not the party, and resent having party insiders limit their choices. The legislature has consistently refused to “close” primaries when extremists in both parties tried to do so.
These are the same type of people who a few years ago created at the Republican Party’s state convention a party “caucus” that would pick our presidential nominee for President. The caucus’ choice could override the voters in the Republican primary. That effort, and this one about closed primaries, are about insiders wishing to control the party and dilute the influence of the people. Empowering the party is their concern, not empowering the voters, not the good of the State of Montana. This thinking has resulted in a dysfunctional Congress, and for that matter, Montana Legislature.
I find it amusing that people who chide the courts for interfering with elected legislatures when those courts make the law (and do not simply interpret the law) are using those same courts to accomplish what they say they are against. If they cannot win an election, or a vote in the Montana legislature, they go to a federal court with an appointed judge.
Our Central Committee gave us Treasurer Valerie Stamey (fired with pay), Commissioner Susy Foss (14% of the primary vote), and Ron Stoltz (27% of the primary vote). Do we really want them to have more power?
I suggest that these controlling types move to a state that is not populated by independent people and which has a closed primary.
Jim Shockley
Victor