State-Journal.com - Independents still out in the cold

It's unlikely lawmakers will act on a proposal that would allow registered independent voters to cast a ballot in either the Republican or Democratic primaries.

Mark Ritter, a registered independent voter from Frankfort, said he's not disappointed HB 17 will likely die in committee.

"I think it's a start," said Ritter, a retired state employee and officer in the Army reserves. "I'm so happy it's even being discussed."

The proposal was discussed but not acted upon in a House committee Tuesday " there are only nine days left before lawmakers adjourn sine die.

Only registered Republicans and Democrats can vote in the respective primaries. In Kentucky there are 1.7 million registered Democrats, 1 million registered Republicans and 193,000 independents or third party voters.

In Franklin County, there are 26,000 Democrats, 6,000 Republicans and 1,700 independents and third party voters.

Allowing independents to vote in primaries would encourage more people to participate and improve the democratic process, Ritter said. He was inspired to register as an independent in 1991 by Ross Perot's presidential bid.

"I'm not an undecided voter," Ritter said. "The current political process is not meeting our needs."
The state Republican and Democratic parties did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

About 26 states have open primaries for state and local races, and 33 states have open presidential primaries.

However, the House Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs did approve HB 451, which would allow gubernatorial candidates to pick their running mate after the primary.

Election reforms passed in 1992 require a candidate to pick a running mate before raising and spending any money.

Rep. Mike Harmon, R-Junction City, said the change would allow "dark horse" candidates to build momentum before seeking a running mate. Gov. Steve Beshear could likely benefit from the proposal because Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo is running for the U.S. Senate.

Secretary of State Trey Grayson said now is a good time to pass the proposal because there's no gubernatorial contest this year and other governors could benefit in the future.
"The pendulum swings to both sides," he said.

Grayson also said the changes might encourage more candidates to run for governor because they could begin campaigning and raising money without picking a running mate. It's hard to convince someone to spend a year traveling and campaigning as lieutenant governor, he said.

"It's a huge sacrifice," Grayson said.

Rep. Mary Lou Marzian, D-Louisville, was somewhat skeptical.

"It's sort of like getting married and naming your spouse after the wedding," she said.

However, the bill passed the committee favorably with a 5 " 1 vote.

Even if the bill is adopted, gubernatorial candidates could still pick a running mate before the primary election.

Sen. Julian Carroll, D-Frankfort, said he's concerned that the changes would encourage some candidates to run only in order to negotiate a deal with a more successful candidate for a spot in their administration.

"I don't think that's in the interest of either party," he said.