Hickenlooper: Switch To Primaries Would Be A 'Worthy Expense' [Colorado]

Colorado Public Radio ^ | April 20, 2016 | Rachel Estabrook

[snarkpup]

Colorado would go back to holding a presidential primary under a bill that's expected to be introduced this week, after Democrat and Republican voters complained that caucuses, held in March, left them out of the nominating process.

The idea has Gov. John Hickenlooper's support, even though it might mean the state picks up the cost.

[snarkpup]

Secretary of State Wayne Williams estimates the cost at $5 million. I called his elections department and confirmed that this would be the price for a standalone primary. If it is combined with the existing primary (for county commissioner, legislators, etc.) it would presumably cost very little, since it would just be a few more lines on an existing ballot. Some state legislation would be required to get the dates to line up.

If one adds up the direct and indirect costs of the current disaster, $5 million sounds cheap by comparison, anyway.

[exDemMom]

If one adds up the direct and indirect costs of the current disaster,

It sure does look like the "current disaster" was a windfall for Trump! And if it helps CO modernize its presidential primary process, so much the better.

[napscoordinator]

So what. Other states are able to perform their duties. You guys disrespect the people of your states. Primaries should be required for all states including Iowa. 1 a week for 50 weeks to give each state some love from the candidates. The dang thing lasts a year anyway.

[BobL]

“Secretary of State Wayne Williams estimates the cost at $5 million.”

They collect that in less than a week, thanks to their Reefer Madness there.

[snarkpup]

Other states are able to perform their duties.

One quick fix to the mess would be to simply look to one of the other states whose system has not created a national scandal and do whatever they're doing.

[Will88]

The idea has Gov. John Hickenlooper's support, even though it might mean the state picks up the cost.

With all the things government at all levels wastes money on, any office holder whining about the cost of an election to allow the citizens to vote should be removed from office and horsewhipped in the public square.

[napscoordinator]

True. And there are many to chose from. In fact, most states take their task seriously. It is the weird mountain states mostly that are disrespectful to their citizens.

[FreeReign]

Colorado would go back to holding a presidential primary under a bill that's expected to be introduced this week, after Democrat and Republican voters complained that caucuses, held in March, left them out of the nominating process. The idea has Gov. John Hickenlooper's support, even though it might mean the state picks up the cost.

Th last Colorado bill stopped in May of 2015 by the Republicans in committee was for an Open Primary.

Remember the days when we wanted our primaries closed?

[G Larry]

Colorado Dems and GOP want the Presidential Primary stand alone, so that other offices seekers can use the much more affordable Caucus system.

Otherwise, it will always be the monied interests seeking office.

[snarkpup]

The existing (non-presidential) primaries are technically closed; but since you can change affiliation just before the primary, and since doing so only takes a couple of minutes at the Secretary of State's website, they are practically open, anyway.

[goldstategop]

I couldn’t vote in here in Colorado for Trump.

My party disenfranchised me and awarded all the delegates to Cruz.

So much for heeding the voice of the Little People.

The caucus system is corrupt.

[biff]

Well a little research would result in the very reason Colorado is a caucus system now is because the state told the republican party a stand alone primary would cost the state 5-6 million and the party would have to pay it because the state would not anymore.

This happened just a few years ago and I think it is funny now how the state is willing to pay for it.

[Salvation]

**Hickenlooper: Switch To Primaries Would Be A ‘Worthy Expense’ [Colorado]**

Yes!

[snarkpup]

This happened just a few years ago and I think it is funny now how the state is willing to pay for it.

Torches, pitchforks and the state becoming an international laughing stock may have had something to do with the change of attitude.

[Objective Scrutator]

It’s Hickenlooper, he’d just rig the primaries to give the results he wants. He just admits that the GOP-e were retarded for being as blatant about stealing votes as they were.

[Wpin]

I thought Cruz and his bots said all was fine in Colorado and that it was only Trump whining...oh well, just another delusional lie by Cruz and his cult.

[exit82]

Another Trump Effect.