| You probably already know that federal judge Gary Sharpe has ordered new York to hold its primaries for congressional office on June 26, to accommodate the federal law that requires a 45-day window for servicemembers overseas to return absentee ballots.
While Judge Sharpe did not order the state to change its primary for state office as well, having three different primary days (one each for President, Congress and state office) is ludicrous.
The problem (for state electeds) is that the legislative session in Albany is scheduled to end on June 21, leaving incumbents only a few days in which to campaign. While I would have no problem with that scenario, it's unlikely to happen.
The solution is simple. End the "main" session during the week before the Memorial Day weekend. Send everyone home for the summer. Then reconvene after Labor Day for three or four weeks.
This not only gives incumbents plenty of opportunity to campaign, but has two side benefits.
First, we all know that most major non-budget legislation is passed in the final days of the session. By having two sets of "final days," especially with the first set so close to the primary and the second set only weeks before the general election, a lot more can be accomplished.
Second, anything that doesn't get done in May will give constituents three months to let their elected representatives know what they think, and allow the issues to percolate longer.
This is something that needs to be discussed -- and acted on -- quickly, and with pressure coming from all over the state. |
