You want to argue that manipulating party nomination processes is some sort of states right now?You really are ignorant. Seriously. But I should thank you since this does give me an opportunity to post a banner that I post here at FR occasionally (with a link) so that people can find out more about which states they need to change parties in, which are open primaries, etc. Just useful voting information about the laws in various states. Here at FR, I'm only after those stubborn Libertarian types. They're pretty tough nuts to crack. All full of principles. Very annoying.
The two major national parties do have a right to seat or not to seat convention delegates, as in the Dims looking likely to refuse to recognize their FL delegates in '08. That decision was forced by the GOP-controlled FL legislature moving up their date prior to the one the DNC allowed, not even the state Dim party's fault as they all voted against it. State legislatures also control the distribution of electoral votes with their own legislation, something even you must have heard about. In addition, each state is free to determine qualifications for voting (allowing primary votes by students who will turn 18 for the next election) and to set their own rules on how long prior to voting they must register (a party-switching prevention measure I've suspected).
States also determine whether they have an open primary or a closed primary. Again, the national parties may try to influence this but they can't control it. They can only accept or reject the delegation entirely.
Since when is the intentional “outside” manipulation of party politics a legitimate part of the party nomination process?
Certainly, I have opposed it consistently. Motor voter, open primaries, all the Xlintonism voting "reforms". However, I recognize the laws in these states and where they insist on flinging open the door, I think every campaign will take advantage. We routinely saw candidates of both parties campaigning for members of the opposite party to enter and vote in their own primary. It is, in fact, becoming routine. Again, I object but I won't hobble my own candidate for legal voters.
I suspect you only object to Ron Paul and this is just your little stick to beat him with. Do you have the same objections if Fred invites Dims to vote in our primary? Or if McStain again invites them to do so? And certainly, Giuliani has already made such appeals. Again, your focus on Ron Paul indicates either simple malice for the good doctor or an even broader ignorance than your previous remarks indicate.
Make up any defense you want. We all know what we are talking about here.
I don't defend it. We're talking about how ignorant you are about state parties, state election laws, who controls them, the limited control that can be exerted by the national parties.
We are talking about a small fringe group of the party supporting a small insignificant fringe libertarian candidate inside of a party where the majority oppose that candidate and his views.
So why are your panties in such a tight little bunch about it?
So, the fringe candidate and his supporters go outside of that party to find like-minded supporters from across the political aisle, who are also opposed by the vast majority of that party, invite them into the party for the purpose of hijacking it’s nomination process and you think this is an ethical and healthy form of “democracy” at work?
I don't argue it. I suggest you write a letter to your state senator, your governor, your state party. If you're fretting over some other state, then write a letter to them. They're the only ones who determine these things.
No more devils advocate excuses. This is what you support??? This is good governance in your opinion?
It's wonderful. No, it's satanic. Well, it's actually just the law in various states. You just don't happen to like it. Join the club. You think that Ron Paul and some Dirty Hippies are abusing your rights (or the voting rights of Republicans in other states) but, in fact, Ron Paul and his supporters possess no such power. Like other candidates and their supporters (Dim, GOP, Indy, Green Libertarian), we follow the election laws.