Open Primary Balloting

Re former state Democratic Party Chairman Bill Press’ column, “Open Primary Isn’t Reform, It’s Open Season on Reason,” Nov. 21: I would like to say that I am a lifelong Republican who in no way laments “the mess (California voters) have made” in the passage of Proposition 198. In fact, I am looking forward with great anticipation to the time when I may vote for both Democrats and independents alike, should they provide a better choice than those chosen for me by my Republican Party.

BILL GRABER

Upland

Press is more worried about the future of the unlimited power of political parties than democracy. What part of apathy doesn’t he understand? Proposition 198 is an attempt to wrest power from the party hacks and return it to the people. Petulant Press says, “I told you so!” Rational me says a better answer is, “None of the above!”

RICHARD A. HEIN

Fullerton

Re “State’s Radical Shift to an Open Primary Upheld,” Nov. 18:

There’s nothing radical about the open primary. California had [cross-filing] for many years. Probably far longer than being able to vote only for your own party in a primary. I remember as far back as the 1930s being able to vote for either party’s candidate.

BILL RODDY

Mission Viejo