Subj : Two party state
To   : DIGIMAUS
From : Mike Powell
Date : Mon Jul 28 2025 15:45:41

> As an aside to the current topic, many states' laws would have to be
> rewritten to allow a third party.  I consider myself to be a "little
> c" conservative, but I am registered as a Republican in Tennessee as
> Tennessee will allow one to vote in the major primaries only if you are
> a registered Democrat or Republican.  Anything else, you're not allowed
> to vote.

Same here.  The other parties, if they field anyone at all, usually have
someone put on the general ballot without holding a primary.

There are states that allow independents to vote in one or the other, but
not both, primaries.  IIRC, there are also some states that allow *anyone*
to vote in one or the other, but not both primaries, regardless of how they
are registered.

I really question that practice, especially the latter.  OT1H, it gives
independents more of a voice.  OTOH, especially the latter practice can
allow persons to manipulate who gets nominated by one party -- trying to
make sure they nominate a weak candidate that the other party can walk all
over in November.

There are some MAGA Republicans serving in Congress right now who owe their
initial success on backing from Democrats who thought they were "too crazy"
to win the general election, only to have them win (and many, to keep
winning) the seats in question.


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