There are times when I get to the polls and wonder why on earth John Doe is the nominee for a certain race. Well, in many cases it is because he (or she) won the primary. Voting in a primary election gives you a voice in selecting the nominee of your party and may help in getting your candidate elected. How? If more people vote in the primary, the winner is more likely to by supported by a larger proportion of the members of that party.
A lot was said about our Governor being elected by only 39 % of the voters. Of course that election was a three way race, but a fair number of Democrats were unhappy with the party's nominee and voted for Mr Cutler. Some Democrats voted for Mr Cutler because they were concerned that the Republican candidate could beat the Democratic candidate. And we know how that turned out!
The Democratic candidate was well known and liked by the most active Democrats, those most likely to vote in the primary election.
Would another candidate have done better in that election? We will never know. BUT I do know we are facing another primary with multiple candidates for the opportunity to run for the seat held by Olympia Snow. We already know there is a third party candidate in this election, does this seem like deja vu? It is critical that Democrats get out and select the best and strongest candidate to run for this seat. The only way to be sure to keep our majority in the Senate and get anything done in the next 4 years is to elect Democrats to the Senate, including this seat. And that starts with the primary on June 12.
Another important benefit of getting out to vote in the primary is showing the party is alive and well. Many of the Legislative races are uncontested, those candidates will "win" that election. But it is nice to have good turnouts even for an 'easy win'! It says members of our party come out to vote every time because it always matters!
So, do some research on who's running, ask questions, maybe even get to meet them. Then get out and vote on June 12. Or get an absentee ballot and vote before, but vote. It makes a difference.