Published: May 08, 2008 11:36 am         

We could go beyond a National Primary Day

Your editorial "Why not?: National Primary Day would speed the process," (April 24 Times-News) reactivated a dormant idea that I have had for several months, but never took any action on.

I did not know that a National Primary Day had been suggested in 1911. Maybe, 100 years late, we could have one by 2011. But, how could us peasants at our level instigate such a proposal without the cooperation of the VIP's in Washington.? Most letters to Senators Byrd and Rockefeller, when acknowledged, only thank you "for your concern" with a few flattering statements - but no commitment nor action.

Some ideas have crossed my mind that would compliment National Primary Day. First, candidates could/would not announce their intentions until the Fourth of July (Independence Day) of the election year. They could then raise money and give stump speeches for two months.

Then on the Tuesday after Labor Day in September, a one-day primary would be held in all the states. After a wait of two weeks, then the major parties could hold their caucus or convention or whatever they would call it. National election day would be as usual on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November.

I would also suggest that all elected and appointed political figures, national and state, would be required to take leave without pay, and all the travel expenses of their entourages would be borne by them or their party - not their governments - when they are not officially performing their elected or appointed duties, including the President of the United States. Are you aware of the support and security personnel that travel with the President, and the cost of flying his plane and support aircraft?

As the President is limited to two terms of office, so should there be a term/time limits for all elected government officials - especially the members of Congress, who, once elected, forget their constituents and are primarily concerned by their importance and what they "have to do" to be re-elected. Supreme Court Justices should have term limits or be required to resign/retire when attaining a specific age; i.e. 75 or 80.

Do you, or your readers, have any suggestions how any of the ideas above, or National Primary Day, could be initiated and put into effect? More editorials on this subject would certainly be helpful. As you stated, maybe it is an idea whose time is here.

Harley M. Carriger
Burlington, W.Va.