I agree. Were they going for a win or participation ribbons? Dumb. Just dumb (again)
The stupid party vs the evil party...
Happens all the time. Favorite Dem tactic is to dilute the conservative field with a couple ringers. Usually it is some mentally deluded “libertarian” who suckers in 1 or 2 percent of the vote from fellow screwballs. These days that is often the margin in of victory for the opposition.
Special election. No primary
The question is asked when an entire field of Republicans is run against Lindsey Graham in the primaries, and some here shout, “You don’t understand how South Carolina primaries work!” Maybe not. But I do know they help Lindsey sleep at night.
The party of stupid.
The Republican Party didn't run 11 candidates. 11 Republicans threw their hats into the ring. This special election was effectively a primary. The runoff election in June is the real election.
It's all about name recognition for the next (e.g.2018) primary and general election. Whoever wins this special election contest will be primaried next year and those who did well but came up short, will be well positioned to run again.
This is good news, for the R bench is deep and wide. The D(ead) bench, not so much. This was the best they could do on short notice and they wasted a boodle of money getting to a runoff they will likely lose.
Jack Usoff (D-ead end) won't win against a solidified R opponent.
None of this is accidental or without a purpose. And it is not "dumb".
Actually, this is what the founders intended: Citizens showing interest in participating in our government. More, please.