Pushed by Dems

Western Presidential Primary Nearing Reality?

By Howard Rothman, 12-04-05

Whenever I discuss politics with friends on the coasts, they usually blow off the national prospects of rising Western stars — particularly Democrats like Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer — with four simple words: "Too small a state." But the possibility that Schweitzer or New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson can be so rapidly dismissed will diminish considerably if a proposed Western presidential primary becomes a reality by 2008. And as a petition to initiate one begins circulating among Democratic party officials, political junkies on influential lefty blogs like My DD are starting to seriously discuss the potential impact. At the very least, supporters on both sides contend the larger voice resulting from such a move would certainly ensure the West can no longer be ignored as Republicans and Democrats vie for their party's top spot in the next presidential election.

For the first time, action toward a regional primary appears to be moving beyond just the theoretical stage. A group called Democrats for the West is now actively lobbying for a single primary (or caucus) in eight states — Colorado, Montana, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada — that would be held on Feb. 5, 2008. The group's argument, which already has been endorsed by a few national leaders, is that residents of some of the country's most rapidly growing states would have real clout for the first time if 268 total Democratic delegates and 183 total Republican delegates were selected on the same day. "The West has had the least amount of impact historically on the presidential primary process because many of the states have smaller numbers of delegates at stake and that several of them have primary or caucus dates late in the process. As a result, Western issues are rarely mentioned by candidates, and candidates spend little time campaigning in the region," says a post on the Western Governor's Association website. "If the West is successful in forming a regional primary," it continues, "candidates will become more familiar with, and be prepared to take a stand on, issues important to the region." Others have noted that local politicians could also garner big numbers early in the process, hence the increased viability of Democrat dark horses like Schweitzer and Richardson.

The idea, not surprisingly, is drawing mixed reviews so far. To me, the positives far outweigh any negatives (as most of the early criticism seems to be coming from those who simply fear that their own regions would lose power if the West gains any). The prospect is hardly assured, though, even if supporters sincerely believe they will make this happen. We'll have to wait and see, but for now I'm heartened that the wheels have at least begun to turn. And I increasingly think it might indeed be a bit too early to write off any Westerners as serious national political figures in ’08.

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