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The Republican Party has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of SB54 the compromise legislation agreed to by supporters of Count My Vote (CMV) and legislators who wanted to preserve the caucus/convention system.

Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

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The Republican Party has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of SB54 the compromise legislation agreed to by supporters of Count My Vote (CMV) and legislators who wanted to preserve the caucus/convention system. The law allows a candidate to win a primary election ballot spot by gathering a sufficient number of registered voter signatures, or by winning enough delegate votes in the state convention.

SB54 was passed by the 2014 Republican Legislature, signed by a Republican governor, and will be defended by a Republican attorney general and lieutenant governor. So why would the Republican Party challenge a bill supported by its own elected leaders?

Pignanelli: "The opposing party rarely causes so much angst as does one's own." Dick Morris

This is not an ideological dispute it is all about raw political power. (The low policy factor of this controversy is inversely correlated to a high entertainment value.) Special-interest organizations enjoyed the extraordinary influence the delegate system awards them in both parties explaining why Republican and Democrat party leadership opposed Count My Vote.

The compromise legislation was borne out of fear. CMV supporters were nervous that the necessary signatures could not be attained by the deadline and lawmakers were anxious the well-funded measure would be on the ballot causing major headaches for candidates. Sen. Curt Bramble artfully crafted a solution that satisfied CMV demands (Gov. Gary Herbert threatened a veto if it did not) while maintaining a role for delegates. Activists were enraged with the result and threatened retribution. But few, if any, lawmakers lost re-election because of the legislation. Thus, the only recourse for the disgruntled convention militants was the courts.

Politicos are scratching their heads why party officials are leading this charge and not a coalition of citizens.

Webb: The party filed the lawsuit because it is mostly controlled by grass-roots activists and not by mainstream Republicans. As a mainstreamer (Id carry a card if someone would print one) who has been active in the CMV effort, I admit it is our own fault that the hard-core activists, despite being a minority within the party, essentially control the party.

Original post:
Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: The hullabaloo behind the Count My Vote lawsuit