Merica: There is a glaring comparison that illustrates why closed primaries are wrong for voters. District 4 mostly covers CdA. The same voters more or less participate. In November's GENERAL election, 8,407 voters participated in the mayoral race. Mary Souza received 42% of the vote or 3,556 votes. Six months later, in a closed primary between Goedde and Souza, a total of 3,440 votes were cast. (Goedde and Souza *combined* could not reach Mary's level of votes received in the November general.) Mary received almost 54% of the vote or 1,853 votes. The turnout was only 40% of what we saw just six months ago with the same pool of electors. Not only did voters not turn out for Goedde, they didn't turn out for Souza either. Senator Souza won with 46% less support than she received in November race where she lost.

Question: This is the best explanation I've seen re: impact of closed primary -- and ongoing prospect that The Shire (Coeur d'Alene) will escape the lengthening shadow of Mordor. Thoughts?