So at least a few Democrats grumbled about the Texas Two-Step primary and grumbled that voting should be good enough. Houston state Rep. Garnet Coleman strongly disagrees:
Statement of Rep. Coleman on Texas Precinct Convention Process
(Houston)//–State Representative Garnet F. Coleman (D-Houston) issued the following statement regarding Texas’ precinct convention process:
“The execution may have been a little chaotic, but the spirit of a precinct convention – of neighbors who rarely get to see each other coming out of their homes, standing in line on a chilly Tuesday evening, talking, arguing, thinking about political and policy beliefs, making their voices heard – that’s democracy at its finest,” said Representative Coleman. “Neighborhood cohesion has been weakened by outside forces for years. We shouldn’t weaken our own communities by eliminating a chance for neighbors in Texas to come together and make their voices heard.”
“Most people think their civic club, their PTO, or their homeowners association is important. Their precinct convention is just as important,” said Representative Coleman. “Our politics has become fragmented and precinct conventions give Texas neighbors a chance to come together. Get rid of them, and our politics becomes just about commercials on TV.”
“Texas should consider getting rid of the open primary. Requiring voters to register by party would make Democratic party membership more meaningful and improve party cohesion and decision making in our state.”
This article appears in February 29 • 2008.