Dear Editor,
As of late there have been opinions, and misinformation, as to whatpolicies local political parties follow to interact with party qualified candidates and nominees both before and after the primary.
There are two categories of party qualified primary election candidates: 1) unopposed, and 2) opposed (i.e. when there are two or more qualified candidates for the same office from the same party). The voters determine the results of the primary, and the winner becomesthe party’s nominee.
Unopposed candidates and nominees are generally handledthe same. General election nominees, with opposition party candidates, are given more support by the party than those unopposed in the general election campaign. During primary campaigning, opposed primary candidates are not endorsed or supported by their party.
Part of a political party’smission is to keep voters informed. County parties, like the Putnam County Republican Party (PCRP), may coordinate local multi-speaker forums or debates, androutinely share public-service announcements for candidate events upon request – just as other county and state parties do. This promotes direct candidate-voter interaction, informed voters,and the democratic process.
Election results come down to a simple reality: one campaign outperforms the other(s). All candidates should take responsibility for their campaignlosses. We have a democratic system; we let the voters vote, and the majority wins.
If any opposed primary candidate has concerns about any party actions or policies, they should raise them during the primary rather than waiting months later to complain, make excuses, or take other actions calculated to cause party division.
Dale Bills PCRP Chair