Washington Presidential primary in '04 might be nixed

[Freddie Stubbs]

- Moot election would cost $6M

OLYMPIA -- Washington state may cancel next year's Super Tuesday White House primary here, considering it a $6 million waste of scarce tax dollars.

Critics noted on Monday that Democrats don't plan to use the results to allocate national convention delegates and that Republicans already know who their nominee will be.

The old caucus system, such as Iowa uses, should suffice, and won't cost the state a dime, they said.

Sen. Jim Kastama, D-Puyallup, is preparing legislation to suspend the election for 2004 only. He said it may require a one-day special session of the Legislature to call off the election in time to save the full $6 million.

more: http://www.kingcountyjournal.com/sited/story/html/144130

[Rose Siding]

1. I don't know why we do it this way

OR who decided but the delegates will all be chosen this time at the Feb 7 caucus, instead of a certain % being based on the primary voting. A primary would, in this case serve no purpose and be a redundant expense.

The causus system sounds like a good idea as only motivated and informed voters attend. It isn't a huge commitment- you go for a whole evening. It also alleviates the concern of cross party voting.

The down side is that there has been no education about how the average voter can easily become involved.