While memories of 1980 are still fresh in mind, the United States should start looking for ways to make the presidential primaries system more effective, less expensive, and concentrated in a shorter period.
Indeed, a vehicle for such a search – a joint resolution calling for a study of the presidential nomination process already has been introduced into the 97th Congress.
Authors of the joint resolution are Reps. Olympia J. Snowe, R-Md. and Morris K. Udall, D-Ariz. They have 83 co-sponsors, a good show of support for so early in the congressional session.
“We think it is clear that the current system needs reforming,” said Mrs, Snowe. “lt is a long, exacting, arduous process that includes 37 primary elections and thousands of precinct, district and statewide caucuses and conventions.”
The 1980 marathon campaign wound up in pressure-cooker style with no less than 20 elections scheduled from California to Oregon to Maryland and Rhode Island between midMay and June 3.
Under the Snowe-Udall proposal, a commission on presidential nominations would be established to study the process and make recommendations within a year.
The 20-member commission would be bipartisan and representative with federal, state and local members participating, Last May, two Oregon senators – Republicans Bob Packwood and Mark Hatfield – introduced legislation to limit primaries by putting them on a regional basis. Two other measures, one in the House and one in the Senate, also called for improvements in the primary system.
But, it’s a new Congress now.
The Snowe-Udall approach seems good because it would explore all options.
If Congress moves to enact the resolution this year, there should be plenty of time for a detailed study and firming up of a specific program before 1984 when the next presidential election takes place.