Seventy-one seats in this Legislature were uncontested in the last election. In seventy-one districts good candidates decided not to run because they thought the odds were too heavily stacked against them. Let's open up the system. We can start by reforming the convention system so the average citizen won't be intimidated by the process. Let's adopt the direct primary system.
Conventions favor incumbents and party machinery over the individual right to vote.
By definition, they limit debate and close the candidate selection process. It is time for Connecticut to strike a blow for a process that opens the doors to candidates with new ideas and gives the people a greater say in the selection of candidates. Our convention system should be reformed to make it easier for candidates to petition their way onto the ballot for party primaries. Let's give people choices. Let's not pass a campaign finance reform bill that is an incumbent protection act in disguise.