Primary elections are all part of the election process. They cannot be separately considered from the general elections. The US SC settled this issue about 50 years ago when it ruled against the all-white, private "Jay Bird Party." This group ran the primaries which then produced the Democrat nominees in Texas. The Court held, correctly I believe, that racial discrimination in this "private" primary was within reach of the Constitution because it produced the candidates who ran in the state-run general election.
Congressman Billybob
Click for "Oedipus and the Democrats"
Click for "Til Death Do Us Part."
Click for "to Restore Trust in America"
I think you're probably the most competent to answer my question at #585. Just playin' devil's advocate, don't y'know.