GOP delegates passed a resolution at Saturday’s state convention to defend the caucus and convention system. The issue likely forced one incumbent Senator into a primary election.
By a show of hands, delegates opposed changes the state legislature made this year to the nominating process – a compromise between supporters of the Count My Vote initiative, who want a direct primary election and backers of the caucus and convention system. But delegates like Michael Willson, say it violates the right of the party to exercise political speech.
“Some party has to step up and defend our rights or we will lose them,” Willson says.
Senate District 28 Incumbent Evan Vickers was hoping to avoid a primary contest, but says his opponent, former Senator Casey Anderson may have swept up some votes when he criticized Vicker’s support for the compromise.
“I’m not sure that SB54 is really going to be a huge issue with the primary voters like it was with the delegate voters,” Vickers says.
Supporters of the measure argue it will increase voter participation.
