Nearly 40% of voters now consider themselves politically independent, the highest ever in our country’s history. With the economy struggling, congressional approval at record low, and unfavorable ratings of both parties higher than ever, independents will likely challenge incumbents from both the left and the right. This section will follow whether those challenges will prove successful.
Less than one month away from California’s first full top two runoff election under its new open primary system, the Golden State’s new method for electing its lawmakers has created.
California’s new electoral system, the Top-Two open primary, could significantly change the state’s politics and turn partisanship on its head.
Heading into November, the CA-33 congressional race between independent candidate Bill Bloomfield and Congressman Henry Waxman is intensifying.
Americans clearly want a different kind of politics and electing independents to Congress has real potential to hasten change.
However, combining philosophical criteria with party voting hopefully captures not only the ideological rigidity prevalent in Washington, but also shows how closely congressmen adhere to the issues each organization identifies as important.
The Berman Sherman debate was held on October 11 at Pierce College as part of their Politics at Pierce series. The conversation turned sour when the candidates’ attempts to out-Democrat each other quickly dissolved into a near-physical altercation.
Less than one month away from California’s first full top two runoff election under its new open primary system, the Golden State’s new method for electing its lawmakers has created.
