| As many of you know, Andrew Cuomo has been coy about accepting the Working Families Party endorsement for governor. This puts the party is a huge bind. If they don't get 50,000 votes on their line in the governor's race, they will lose their line. In that event, their only chance to influence elections would be to have their candidates petition to get on the ballot in individual races, a very costly endeavor. Enter the State Senate majority who recently tried to fast track legislation that would change the law just in time for November's elections. The attempt was shot down by Senate Republicans and Pedro Espada however the legislation is not dead.
I find myself conflicted about the proposal. I like the substance because it makes it easier for third parties, not just the WFP, to get on the ballot. Third parties would have multiple contests in which they could achieve the 50,000 mark. I think the more parties the better because it allows for more voices and more ideas to be heard in November. Hopefully, it would also make our political system more competitive and begin to move us away from the hegemony of the two major parties. Of course, there has to be some limit on the number of parties with an official ballot line but I think the 50,000 vote threshold sufficiently weeds out the crazies.
However, the timing of the legislation and the fact that it was introduced anonymously sours me on the process. Although neutral on its face, the legislation may just be a cynical ploy to help a powerful minor party which is backed by prominent liberal constituencies (labor unions). By manipulating the election laws on the eve of an election, the State Senate shows a disrespect for the political process generally. In addition, it indicates their willingness to move the goalposts again immediately prior to future elections.
What do you guys think? |
