The Virginia Republican 24th Senate District Committee has sent a letter to the Virginia Board of Elections, requesting that the Board let the party nominate for State Senate in this district in 2015 by convention, even if the incumbent Republican State Senator in that district wants a primary. See this story.
Virginia election law is unique in the nation, regarding how major parties nominate. All qualified parties are free to choose to nominate by convention or primary. However, if the party has an incumbent running for re-election, the incumbent has the power to oveerride the party’s wishes and determine the method of nomination. The 24th Senate District Republican Committee argues that law is unconstitutional and seems to hint it will sue if the Board disregards its wishes.
Just reminds me of another reason I am not a Republican.
Nothing like a King deciding how he will be enthroned. Don’t trust those unwashed peasants. They just might get the idea that government is to do something for them. Oh my, where in the world would they get such an idea?
The question at stake here isn’t primaries vs. conventions, or local vs. state party control. It’s about whether or not state law can grant such a special privilege to incumbents without violating equal protection. And it seems obvious that the answer is “no”.
Imagine the general election equivalent: Senators will be chosen by popular elections, unless the incumbent decides to seek re-election by the state legislature instead. Whichever method you might prefer all elections use isn’t the point, incumbents have to stand in the election on the same footing as any other candidate.