Presidential years tend to be pretty raucous. And 2008 should be no exception. With about two dozen hopefuls in the field so far — as of lunchtime yesterday, anyway — next year’s primaries could be the hottest game in town.
But will Kansas be interested in playing?
For the last few years, the answer has been “No.” Any time someone has dared suggest that Kansas should have a presidential primary of its own, the powers-that-be have offered the same two objections: too much money and not enough influence.
But now the wheels have started moving again. Governor Kathleen Sebelius set aside $2 million in her budget proposal for a February 2008 primary. Last week, it got the Senate’s stamp of approval, today a House committee begins debating it.
Why now? A few thoughts come to mind. With such a wide-open field, there’s less chance of a candidate being ordained before Kansas voters come to the polls. The fact that Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback is a dark horse candidate may have influenced the decision as well.
Some, particularly House Speaker Melvin Neufeld, still think it’s too much money. Maybe so, although in a $12.39 billion budget it hardly seems insuperable.
But the real issue is not one of cost, but initiative. If Kansans get a primary, what will they do with it?
It’s a legitimate question. Last November, with a local candidate running for governor and a couple of burning county issues, Lyon County’s turnout hit 48 percent. Last Tuesday, with only a handful of local races, it reached a miserable 15.92 percent. Other Kansas counties could probably tell similar stories.
So if Kansas holds a primary, will anyone show up?
Maybe.
At the very least, Kansans should be given the opportunity to try. Primaries are both more intuitive and more open than party caucuses and we’d hate to see the chance to restore Kansas’s voice go by.
Be warned, though. If the Legislature spends the money and the turnout is low next year, it will be a long time before the chance comes again.
As they say in the wedding ceremonies, speak now or forever hold your peace.