June 27, 2007
New York Times Editorial
New York's Ultra-Open Primary

For far too long, New York's presidential primaries have been an insider's business, with political bosses from both parties deciding whose names went on the ballot. As recently as 2000, it took a lot of arm-wrestling and public outrage for Republicans to even include Senator John McCain, a strong contender that year.

This time, the Republicans in New York should be congratulated for planning a truly open primary. If Governor Eliot Spitzer signs a bill that sets the rules for both parties' primaries, a G.O.P. contender who wants to be considered by New York's voters would only need the state board of elections to determine that he or she is "recognized according to reports in the national or state news media."

That makes a lot of sense no contortions, no signatures, no expensive election lawyers. But the idea is revolutionary to some party insiders who are said to be worrying that any declared candidate who has spent a few minutes on Oprah's couch will be able to claim a place on the ballot. For voters, however, more choices are always better.

Democratic candidates for the White House will have to work somewhat harder to see their names on next year's presidential primary ballot in the delegate-rich state of New York. Each contender will need 5,000 valid signatures of party voters.

But if Democratic candidates have a little more trouble making it on to the ballot, they are compensated by having a better chance of getting a few delegates for their trouble. Democratic delegates are awarded proportionally according to the percentage of the vote each candidate receives. New York Republicans still assign their delegates a less-democratic way - winner take all.

Too bad the two parties could not share their better instincts. New York's presidential primary on February 5 could then be as open as the Republicans want it and as good about dividing up the delegates as the Democrats.

Edith. M. Prentiss