Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1920-07-16
POLITICAL LEADERS EXPRESS
GREAT OPPOSITION TO THE
PRESENT PRIMARY MEASURE


Boise, Idaho.-Idaho political lead
era and politicians have just gone |
through a week OF worry and trouble
in an effort to comply with the pro
visions OF the amended election law
to place delegates to county conven-
tions, candidates for county office |
and the legislature. in nomination
and it is putting it mildly to say |
they are disgusted with the act pass
ed by the last legislature.
1t can be said now with every de-
gree of certainty that one OF the
main issues in the coming state cam
paign will be the primary election
law In an attempt to remedy some
OF the defects or that law, the last
legislature virtually repealed II. II
did permit a half-hearted primary
to apply to the selection OF delegates
to county conventions. county and
legislative candidates, but It repeal
ed it as to the nomination of con-
gressional and state candidates,
leaving that to the convention.
July was the last day in which
filings of nominations had to be
made for delegates to the county
convention, candidates for precinct
committeeman, county offices and
the legislature. In the smaller coun-
ties no hardship was worked be-
cause a few OF the leaders in each
precinct arranged to file their can
didates and the various candidates
for state offices did not ettempt to
control the nominations.
In the larger counties, however,
this could not be done and various
groups OF partisans filed the names
delegates, while candidates for SEN
ator, congressman and state office
sought to have their own special
states put in nomination. The result
was considerable confusion and not
little conflict. To make the situa-
tion more embarrassing, the law pro-
vides that candidates must sign their
own nominations personally; that is
they cannot be placed In nomination
by their friends, with the privilege
of accepting later, as was the case
under the primary law. In addition,
certification OF the county chairman
was required TO all nominations.
There ,ls now little question but
what fight will be made to incor-
porate a plank In the Republican
party. platform declaring for . dt7
rect primary for candidates back co
the people. The Democrats are said
to be prepared to nail such a plank
In their platform. Many Republicans
now believe that q serious mistake
will be made unless the party about
faces with regard to this Law and
goes back to the primary with addi-
! tional strengthening features there
J Ito.
What leads to this belief more
than anything else Is the attitude
that has been taken by the two sena
tors from Idaho-W. q. Borah and
John F. Nugent. The Democratic par
ty declare for the statewide primar!
and pledge itself to the election of I
Legislature that will pass a new pri
: mary law. Senator Borah is know
: to be very much dissatisfied wit
the law az it now stands and is de
termined there shall be change.
II seems to be quite general
known that Senator Borah will with
in a short time, deliver an addres
e in which he will express his att
q tude to the electors Of Idaho. Ths
t address is to be somewhat Of kel
, note on state issues and will prol
}. ably be delivered IN Boise. He wi
!. discuss the present law and point OF
le the defects in IL, ana af the sam
o time will appeal 10 electors to insil
i ON remedy which win give back
>. the people greater direct voting poV
II ers that were taken from them thI
r. the passage OF the new act. He wi
y also treat other state issues Of In
n portance.
In AS he expects to remain here mo
8 OF the summer. bis influence wi
10 very probably be felt IN the eampail
IN He has given a number Of address
since his return TO Boise. defendiI
N his attitude on the league Of natiol
ir land has been enthusiastically reeei
In ed. II is believed that he win mai
q many converts 20 his views on
n covenant before the campaign
lis over.
ID The fight In the state promis
. to become intensified now that q
democratic national convention b
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