Arizona Republicans’ Proposal to Opt Out of Government-Run Primary Election Causes Anxiety Among Top Republicans
PHOENIX — A proposal by Republican election deniers in Arizona to opt out of the state’s government-run presidential primary election in 2024 has caused anxiety among top Republicans in Washington. The proposal suggests holding the party’s own one-day, in-person election with paper ballots that would be counted by hand. However, the state party leader rejected the proposal, likely setting up political backlash in 2024.
The Maricopa County Republican Committee (MCRC) put forward the proposal, which was rejected by Jeff DeWit, chair of the state party, shortly ahead of a deadline on Friday. DeWit concluded that the party does not have the necessary resources to run an election for an estimated 1.4 million eligible voters.
The battle over the management of the state’s nominating contest on March 19 highlights the divide between conservatives who want to change voting procedures after former President Donald Trump’s 2020 electoral defeat and those who have accepted his loss and want to work within institutional election norms during the 2024 contest.
The proposal has sparked discussions among Trump campaign advisers, Republican National Committee officials, and others outside the state. Arizona officials who support and oppose the paper ballot initiative have lobbied Trump’s top aides to back their position. However, Trump has not taken a position on the issue, and two advisers said he has not been involved in conversations about the proposal.
While some officials in Arizona support the idea, others, including DeWit, have said it would be unworkable and could bankrupt the state party. They have also raised questions about the motives of those pushing the single-day election idea in Maricopa County.
The Maricopa County GOP proposal contradicts efforts by the Republican National Committee and groups allied with Trump to embrace early voting after disappointing election losses. The majority of Arizonans return their ballots early, either by mail, drop box, or by walking them into poll centers before Election Day.
The rejection of the proposal by the state party leader highlights the deepening dysfunction within the party on the issue of election procedures. The proposal could have drawn lawsuits and unwanted scrutiny, according to DeWit.
Meanwhile, Arizona Democrats confirmed that the party will participate in the traditional government-run primary in March, giving those on the left the chance to weigh in on an incumbent ticket. Party Chair Yolanda Bejarano criticized Arizona Republicans for fighting over the basic principles of democracy while Democrats are focused on reelecting President Biden and Vice President Harris.
How does the rejected proposal to opt out of the government-run primary election pose challenges for top Republicans, particularly in terms of party unity and potential backlash from supporters of former President Donald Trump
Ive Republicans who support former President Donald Trump’s false claims of widespread election fraud and those who are pushing for traditional, transparent election processes.
Those in favor of the proposal argue that by opting out of the government-run primary election, the party would have more control over the election process and ensure the integrity of the results. They believe that the state’s election system is flawed and vulnerable to fraud, despite no evidence to support these claims.
However, many top Republicans, including those in Washington, are anxious about the proposal. They fear that it could further divide the party and harm its chances of winning future elections. Opting out of the government-run primary election could alienate moderate voters and give the impression that the party is not committed to fair and open elections.
Additionally, rejecting the proposal could lead to political backlash in 2024. Trump and his supporters have shown a willingness to target Republicans who do not support his false claims of election fraud. By rejecting the proposal, the state party leader risks facing criticism and potential primary challengers from within the party.
The proposal also highlights the ongoing debate within the Republican Party about the validity of the 2020 presidential election. While some Republicans continue to deny the legitimacy of the election results, others are pushing for the party to move forward and focus on future elections.
Ultimately, the rejected proposal to opt out of the government-run primary election in Arizona has caused anxiety among top Republicans. The debate over election processes and the party’s response to false claims of election fraud will continue to shape the direction of the Republican Party in the coming years.
