Advertisement
At first glance, an upcoming DFL primary race for Minnesota House seat 28B, which is being vacated by former Speaker of the House Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon, is pretty absurd.
The race pits Linda Pfeilsticker against Wes Moreland.
Moreland has not been seen or heard from, likely because he’s been busy in England. Nevertheless, he met the requirements for filing and has forced a run-off. He wasn’t expected home — in the district — until Saturday, just three days before the Tuesday primary election.
At best, the move has irked some who didn’t appreciate him filing and then fleeing. Even more upsetting to others was that it will likely cost the taxpayers of the counties District 28B covers tens of thousands of dollars to hold the primary election.
It does seem silly to have to go through the motions on account of such a tepid candidacy such as Moreland’s. And, with budgets already strapped at the county and state level, thousands aren’t easy to come by.
But that’s democracy. And, it’s darn important.
What’s great about living in this country is that anyone who meets some very minimal qualifications can run. The ballot can be a great equalizer, just as one vote for every one person also has a positive effect in governing.
We would do well to remember that it’s not necessarily about what kind of family you’re born into, where you’re from or how well connected you are that qualifies you as a candidate. It’s about every person who’s interested having an equal shot, even if sometimes candidates are poorly qualified or seem to show little interest beyond getting their name on the ballot.
Keep in mind much of the criticism on the national political scene comes because of the massive amount of fundraising and cash it takes to be a viable candidate. Now, presidential candidates as well as those running for the House of Representatives, have to raise millions just to compete. The common person has a much harder time getting into the race at the federal level.
But not so on the state or local level (thankfully). Most can throw their names into the political ring with a couple of signatures and a filing fee. Sometimes, it creates lopsided races. Sometimes, it gives voters an odd choice of characters to represent them. Other times — when the system works best — it gives voters at least two great choices to represent their interests.
While Tuesday’s race may seem like a waste of time and money and while few may show up to register a vote, it is indeed an important part of the process. It is the cost of democracy.
By Darrell Ehrlick, editor, on behalf of the Winona Daily News editorial board, which also includes publisher Rusty Cunningham and online editor Jerome Christenson. To comment, call (507) 453-3522 or send e-mail to letters@winonadailynews.com.
|
More News: |
