Greg Risling
In its heyday, a beauty pageant was known as a grand affair, pitting
gorgeous woman wearing the latest fashions and featuring their favorite
talents. The crown went to the contestant with the best overall
performance.
That may not be the case come March 7, when California residents are
asked to make their choice for president in the state primary.
Because the state allows registered voters to cross party lines and
choose any listed candidate, political insiders have dubbed this year's
primary as a newfangled beauty contest where the real winner may not be
the one who garners the respective majority.
The grand prize is delegates, the political version of a diamond-studded
tiara. Get enough delegates in the primary and a candidate will likely
win the party's nomination.
In California, where the stakes are high and delegates are many, voters
crossing party lines may be stunned to learn their say may not mean much.
Under state guidelines, the popular vote will be counted and a winner
will be determined. However, the ballots will also be coded with voters'
party affiliations and a second tally will be taken. The candidate who
wins the delegates hinges on the result of the vote among registered
party members.
The tighter of the two party races appears to be the battle for the
Republican nomination. Texas Gov. George W. Bush is hoping to stave off
the advance of Arizona Sen. John McCain, who scored a double victory
Tuesday in his home state and Michigan.
But both Democrats and Republicans are worried that many residents are
unaware of the voting process.
"It's a double-edged sword, really," said Tom Fuentes, chairman of the
Orange County Republican Party. "It's an invigorating process to get more
voters out. But there is a lot of misunderstanding about the primary
process. Unfortunately, that makes it all the more complex."
The opportunity to cross political lines during the state primary was
pushed by Rep. Tom Campbell (R-San Jose) several years ago.
Campbell, who is running for a U.S. Senate seat, lost a primary in 1992
and may have benefited from voters outside his party. Voters in 1996
approved a state proposition to hold open primaries. Opponents tried to
block the open primary, but a U.S. District Court judge upheld the
voters' decision.
Michael Schroeder, an Irvine attorney and past chairman of the state's
Republican Party, testified four years ago about the hazards of an open
primary where crossover is allowed.
Given the importance of this year's presidential race, Schroeder
