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Democrats precluded from Democratic process
Paul Tokasz said during his July 13 announcement that he will not run for re-election in November and that he believes he has served his constituents with integrity and maintained the public trust. While he will likely be remembered as such, his timing remains highly suspicious and could cast a shadow over his many fine accomplishments.
We don't want to be perceived as ants at the picnic, but we must agree with local Republicans and political pundits who questioned Tokasz's timing. His announcement- on the day that party nominating petitions were due- effectively allows Democrat party leaders to cast aside their base, which may have other wishes, and anoint their own candidate.
Instead of registered voters deciding on the best Democratic candidate, the outcome sits in the hands of a select few. True, these decision makers were put in place by representatives from the party, but it is still unfair in an election year to leave a crucial choice to a select few who can be easily swayed by outside influences.
Are party leaders fearful that a primary would have created a rift, one that might have lingered into November? Or, are they thinking that by taking choices away from voters, the public will eventually become disinterested in politics, allowing party leaders to basically rule as they see fit.
Many Democrats were upset with the results of the 2000 presidential election, won by George W. Bush in the Electoral College despite losing the overall popular vote. The voters were overruled, they cried. In Erie County, it's happening again and this time it is the Democrats doing it to themselves.
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