On October 17, the Portland City Club sponsored a debate between Jim Kelly, proponent of Oregon’s top-two initiative, and Dan Meek, a prominent opponent. Here is a link. The debate lasts a full hour, although it doesn’t actually start until six minutes in.
I attempted to listen to the debate, but for some reason my computer would freeze up every few minutes, so I gave up.
I will have to congratulate Dan Meeks, who spoke in opposition to Measure 90 and defended the value of 3rd parties. The proponent of Measure 90 appeared to have such a weak argument of wanting to allow more people into the primary process but didn’t seem to care it might destroy parties in the process. I think I understand where they are wanting this Top Two to go.
Strange, that such smart folks who have come up with Measure 90 could not consider “instant runoff” to do away with their “spoiler” concern, while still allowing all voters to vote in the Primary of their choice.
Top Two proponents – regardless of the state where it is advocated – are fearful of voters. While pretending they want all voters to have a right to participate in the nominating process, they want them to do so under a system, where the final results will be either a Democrat or a Republican winning – and many honestly only want a Democrat to win.
Top Two is the major enemy of 3rd parties and Independents.
NO primaries are needed or wanted – since they only produce New Age left and right super-extremists.
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P.R. and nonpartisan App.V.
Demo Rep:
What is your definition of a “New Age left,” and a “right super-extremist?”