CA: Former WA Green Party Chair Urges Support for Prop 14

Third party activists and organizations in California have come out strongly against the Proposition 14 "top two" ballot initiative. Thus I was surprised to see the following commentary from Maryrose Asher, Chair of the Washington State Progressive Electoral Coalition, and former chair of the state's Green Party:

As the former Chair of the Green Party of Washington State, I wholeheartedly endorse Proposition 14 in California. It is unfortunate, and misguided, that third parties should find themselves aligned with the Republican and Democratic Parties in trying to dissuade California voters from supporting the Prop 14, Open Primary initiative.

As the Green Party chair, I have had experience working on campaigns in the state of Washington prior to the adoption of the "Top Two Primary." At that time, independents and third party supporters could only participate in the primary elections at the pleasure of the Democratic or Republican parties. For example, only if we signed a "loyalty oath" could we participate in Party caucuses and conventions to influence which candidate might become the nominee. We could participate only if we were willing to work within one of the two major parties . . .

The time has come to stop viewing political parties as we do our favorite sports teams. It is not enough to have a spot on the general election ballot to wave the party's banner . . .