General Election Voters Want a Choice, Not an Echo
Primaries are healthy. Only the elites benefit from squelching them.
by Rod D. Martin
February 13, 2021
In response to my last post, someone told me that going after other Republicans in the primary hurts the party. To which I say, bunk.
That's what they said to Rubio when he challenged Charlie Crist. Rubio was 30 points down for much of that campaign. First they said he was an idiot for running. Then he got close and they said he'd throw the election to the Democrats. Then he won.
It's what they said about Ron DeSantis, who was 20 points down just one month before his primary against Jeb!'s pick. Oh wait, he won too.
It's what they said about Ted Cruz when he ran against the most powerful Republican in Texas. He started 20 points down and was dismissed. Then he got close and they fretted about a Democrat sneaking in and taking the seat. And then, oh wait, he won.
Primaries are healthy. For both parties. They increase involvement, turnout, donations and on-the-ground organization needed…