This California Politico news story says that to an increasing extent, the California top-two system encourages incumbents to attack their stronger opponent, in hopes of boosting a weaker opponent, by insincere media ad campaigns. For example, a Democrat will boost his or her desired, weaker opponent by advertising that boosts the weaker opponent relative to the stronger opponent. Thanks to ElectionLawBlog for the link.
One more result of the rigged gerrymander districts.
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NOOO primaries
PR
APPV
TOTSOP
It’s a problem in general with primaries, this was pre-Top Two, but didn’t California Governor Gray Davis in his reelection bid throw a ton of money in to get the less electable Republican to win the Republican primary, which played a role I believe in his successful recall?
Yes, in 2002 Gray Davis did that to defeat Richard Riordan, moderate Republican and former Mayor of Los Angeles.
So?