S.C. Just Dropped Democrat Oath. Repub and Indi can vote w/out Changing

[Sensitivity]

Just heard on CNN that the "I am a Democrat" oath is being dropped from the primary so Independents and Democrats can vote in the Democratic primary without any change of registration.

Does it make sense in a democratic primary that Republicans can vote in the Dem primary without changing registration?

Is this why Dean decided not to compete. Anyone know if this
applies anywhere else?

They say that Edward is now a shoo-in -- most republicans and independents are voting for him -- a good indication of his electability.

[jenk]

1. good to hear, this was a joke

I still think Edwards would've won though, maybe by only 3-4 points with the oath thing, but it was embarrassing to everyone.

[maddezmom]

2. good to hear n/t

[TheDonkey]

3. I'm not sure i WANT a president a lot of creepublicans want to vote for!!

That's horrible there is no oath, or party check.

I believe this was the DEMOCRATIC primary.

[redqueen]

4. It was

Now it's the 'whoever wants to influence the outcome' primary.

:(

[jenk]

5. but...

These are not just mischievous repugs who want to vote Dean just so he'll get mcgoverned, there are a lot of angry centrists that want Edwards!

[elsiesummers]

6. I don't like it, the pledge drop.

Though I am 100% for Edwards, I believe he'd win SC hands down without Republican votes.

The problem with dropping the pledge: The potential for funny business among Republicans who might choose to vote for someone not because they believe they are the best candidate but because they want to choose the least electable candidate to go up against Bush.

On the other hand, for Independants and Republicans who prefer a particular Democratic candidate over Bush - well it's good that they can express their opinion without declaring partisanship. Also, maybe it's the first step towards getting them to vote for Democrats on a regular basis.

Bottom line: the potential for Republican shennanigans bothers me too much to view open primaries in a positive light.

[Wonco_the_Sane]

7. Happy in Ohio

Although I've voted Democrat for years, I'm still technically listed IND. On super Tuesday I'll be able to vote as always, though Republicans can not.

[candy331]

8. Will these republicans/Independents that

vote for a Democrat in the primaries vote for the Dem in the general election though? What if they are voting to push a certain candidate to win the primary with no intention of voting for him or any Dem in the general? Would the numbers really show the true support of the candidate? I don't know whether this is a good idea or not right now.

[formernaderite]

11. Sure...why not?

I know some folks on the left who register as Republicans in Virginia, just so they can have a little impact on the candidates selected.

[Toucano]

12. Have you voted in a primary before?

I don't want to be disagreeable, but as I understand it, when you request the Democratic primary ballot on March 2, you will be listed as a "D" until the next primary.

The only way to be an "X" (independent) in Ohio is to not vote in primary party elections.

I could be wrong...

[Old and In the Way]

9. Who decided this? The state of SC or the state Party?

If it was the state party, what's the reasoning? I assume they want a strong Edwards showing....is this why? Personally, I'll be interested to see how many Republicans are motivated to vote in the Democratic primary vs. voting for Bush in the Republican primary....I really don't think the Republican voter will be voting as a monolythic block, but their aggregate voting for Democrats would be interesting to guage the anti-Bush backlash.

[blindpig]

14. it's a party decision

although whether its meant to bolster Holy Joe or Edwards is beyond me. They may just be tired of getting hammered on talk radio about this. The SC Democratic party is a pathetic thing.

[NewHampster]

10. That seals it for Kerry - Rove's Choice will get the Rep Votes

[WiseMen]

13. Polls show Kerry is has lead among Democrats. Edward Get all repubs.

[Hippo_Tron]

15. Won't the GOP votes go to sharpton?

No offense to him but he's going to have a strong standing in South Carolina so wouldn't the GOP want to flood him with votes so he might actually come in first and second.

[WiseMen]

16. They Say this is Edwards lucky break. Good for him.