If We Did Not Have a California Open Primary

Allan Hoffenblum, from Fox and Hounds, wrote a great piece on the effect of the Top-Two Primary. While much of his analysis is tongue-in-cheek, the article does a serious job of highlighting why the California Open Primary has a big effect on politics and election game that is played by those in power.

Brad ShermanPete StarkRico OllerMichael AllenBetsy Butler

Instead, California will see competitive races in otherwise partisan districts for the first time.

Howard BermanEric Swalwell Frank BigelowMarc Levin Richard Bloom

Hoffenblum adds that low voter turnout an low interest in the primary election likely kept independent candidates from making a strong showing. He argues that the real test for the California Open Primary in terms of No Party Preference candidate viability will be in 2014.

Regardless, the Top Two Open Primary is here. Competitive elections have increased. And candidates in many district have to open their ears to people outside their partisan base for the first time.