State offices thourghout the country will be challenged by independents. With the economy struggling, congressional approval at record low, and unfavorable ratings of both parties higher than ever, independent voters will have a significant impact on the 2012 elections.
Today, the Democrats hold 25 of the 40 seats in the State Senate. Two more and the Democrats could veto any tax increase, without a vote of the people and without the support of their more libertarian-leaning Democratic governor. 27 is the scary number that would give Democrats a super-majority; de facto single-party rule.
The real test for the effect of Open Primary is in November, where are a number of “same party” contests as well as two prominent independent vs. Democrat races.
When Republican State Senator Tony Strickland left his seat open, he created an opportunity for the Democrats to gain a super majority.
California’s new electoral system, the Top-Two open primary, could significantly change the state’s politics and turn partisanship on its head.
Jonathon Dedering faces an uphill battle against incumbent Hulsey, but can’t repeat Ben Manski’s success.
Proclaiming that California voters now have the tools to take on a government broken by partisanship, IndependentVoice.Org a statewide association of independent voters, announced its “Post-Partisan Candidate” endorsements.
The CA Democratic Party has leveled a partisan-based attack against Councilman Marc Levine in the California 10th Assembly District Race.
