Nominations for State and Congressional Offices*

Evolution of the Direct Party

From Legislative caucus to party convention – Post revolution legislative caucuses selected candidates. Because of Andrew Jackson, system moved to a convention type system. System was susceptible to manipulation and domination by party leaders.

The direct primary: Escape from One-Partyism – In early 20^th century; convention system was replaced by direct primary – nomination of party candidates done directly by voters.

The direct primary and progressivism – Progressives believed a direct primary provided a means to challenge the powerful established party leadership.

            The direct primary in the south –Southern democrats believed the direct primary would unify the party under conservative leadership and prevent any electoral influence of blacks.

            Post WWII trends – all states instituted direct primary system.  The south rid itself of the whites-only primary and saw the emergence of the Republican Party.

State Regulation of the Direct Primary – States vary in their regulations

By convention – 13 states permit or require conventions.

Closed primaries – In 13 states voters must register as party affiliates in order to vote. 

Semi-closed primaries – 14 states have loopholes in their closed primary laws that allow unaffiliated voters to vote in primaries.

Semi-open primaries – Eleven states require voters to publicly declare which party primary they wish to participate. Voters are free to change at each primary.

Open primaries – In 9 states voters can privately decide in which primary to participate. No evidence this encourages greater competition in primaries.

Nonpartisan primaries – top two primary vote getters, regardless of party, are nominated for general election. (Louisiana)

States decide the qualifications of candidates.

Cross-filing- Allows minor parties to nominate candidates and encourages coalitions between minor and major parties.  New York example Most states forbid cross-filing

Regulation of the proportion of vote required for nomination – Most states require plurality.  11 states require a majority of the vote.  North Carolina requires a 40 percent of the vote.  Second runoff primaries between top two vote getters.

Preprimary Endorsements

Seven states allow for preprimary endorsement by the party. (pg168)

Ten states endorsements are provided for by party rules, either by convention or committee. These endorsements lead to less competition in primaries.   Effectiveness of endorsing has declined in the last twenty years, often due to popularity among party activists in primary but not necessarily the same appeal to the broader constituency in the general election.

Competition in Primaries – Greatest when opposing party is weak and has little chance of winning the general election.  Incumbency wards off competitors.  95 % of incumbent reps win. 90% for senators.

Prepared by: Mike Stack