I kinda like the idea, although the process for the special elections is pretty far along already. Here’s the press release:
Governor-elect Matt Meyer Calls for Open Primaries in Upcoming Special Elections to Empower Delaware Voters and Increase Transparency
Wilmington, DE – As first reported by Cris Barrish with WHYY, Governor-elect Matt Meyer is urging Delaware’s Democratic Party to adopt an open primary process for the upcoming special elections in the First and Fifth Senate Districts. Meyer argues that allowing voters to decide the nominees aligns with the party’s principles and strengthens democracy.
“Our party’s nominees should be chosen by the people of the First and Fifth Districts in an open and transparent process, not by political insiders. It’s as simple as that.” Meyer stated.
Meyer outlined his vision in a letter to party leadership, emphasizing, “To encourage inclusiveness and afford every Democrat a seat at the table, we should hold Democratic Primary Elections to nominate our candidates for these Senate seats.” He added, “This open and inclusive process would require our candidates to organize, persuade, and get out the vote in order to earn the Democratic nomination, providing them with a strong mandate from Democratic voters and setting us up to succeed in the special elections.”
“Our administration is committed to fighting for transparency everywhere it’s needed, including within our own party’s rules,” Meyer stated, underscoring his dedication to democratic ideals.
Truth-in-advertising: I definitely have preferred candidates in both and I don’t think an open primary would hurt them. Especially since, in one case, my preferred candidate was the victim of a skewed nomination process dominated by insiders. I doubt that primaries will take place this time. But, as an RD committee member, I’d vote to support them. Doesn’t hold true for our current Democratic Chair, though:
Meyer outlined his position in a letter he sent to Democratic Party chair Betsy Maron on Friday, three days after being elected.
Maron did not return a request from WHYY News to discuss Meyer’s proposition. But Monday she rejected the proposal in a letter to the governor-elect that also said changes could be considered at the party’s annual convention in June.
“We welcome a dialogue to evaluate the current official replacement process under the Delaware Code, the Delaware Democratic Party rules, and the laws of other subdivisions and municipalities,’’ Maron wrote. “At this time, however, we cannot support your proposal.”
At which point Betsy went back to her real job of extending birthday wishes to party hacks. She must be replaced ASAP.