Messy Primaries

I believe most people would admit primaries are an important part of the election process, especially in finding someone who truly represents their constituency. I have already mentioned that Senator Gillibrand of New York will most likely face little to no primary challenges from her party in an upcoming special election. The reason is not that her views are so much inline with the party or that no wants the seat. It is simply the White House wants to avoid a “messy primary”.

Obviously I understand that winning the seat is the most important thing to the Democrats, but what about the people of New York. Democratic voters deserve a choice and President Obama really seems to be standing in the way of that. Steve Isreal, a congressman from Long Island, said in a statement “I spoke with President Obama today. He asked me that I not run for the U.S. Senate this year”. It is President Obama’s prerogative to establish himself as a party leader and if he want to campaign for Gillibrand then fine. Asking people to not challenge her though seems to be too far though. It shows that the White House is both afraid of losing a seat in a Democratic stronghold and that New Yorkers may not be fully behind the appointment of Senator Gillibrand.

Source: http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0509/Obama_clears_field_for_Gillibrand_in_New_York.html