MISSOURI PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY: GOOD MOVE

During presidential elections, the national spotlight shines on states that offer primaries. Missouri will join the ranks of those states in 2000 thanks to legislation passed in the final hours of the legislative session that recently ended in Jefferson City. Voters should welcome the opportunity that the primary provides.

Under the legislation, Missouri's presidential primary date is April 4, the same day as Kansas. The presidential primary should not be confused with the Missouri's August primary for federal, state and county candidates other than president.

At best, political campaigns can be bewildering, offering a mix of candidate claims and attacks that voters may have a hard time deciphering. But a presidential primary can help.

Presidential contenders tend to frequent states with a presidential primary. Their presence means that voters can judge the candidates beyond the 30-second sound bites. Voters can hear for themselves how candidates compare on the issues.

A primary also moves the selection out of the caucuses and into the hands of the people. It should make the process a more democratic.

Caucuses represent a tiny percentage of each party. Secretary of State Bekki Cook said only 2 percent of Missouri voters participated in the caucus system in the last election. Yet this small minority of people hold considerable power. They determine how Missouri delegates will vote at the national conventions.

Just think back to 1996. Missouri was almost the only state in the nation to send a group to the Republican convention with a majority of Patrick Buchanan delegates. Buchanan was leading in several of the county and district caucuses early on. Missouri's GOP selected 19 delegates for Bob Dole, 11 for Buchanan and 9 for Alan Keyes. At the GOP convention, a show of unity drove the final vote with 24 for Dole, 11 for Buchanan and 1 for Keyes. Abortion was the issue that split Missouri Republicans. The caucus system could have resulted in a majority of Buchanan delegates, which wouldn't have reflected statewide sentiments.

With a primary, delegates would be assigned in proportion to the statewide vote. The primary system works well in other states. Thirty-eight states have opted for primaries over caucuses.

A primary should also boost participation in other April races. It would be the same day as municipal and school board elections. April voter turnout is typically much lower than November.

The Legislature should be commended for approving a presidential primary. Missourians will enjoy both the national spotlight in early spring of 2000 and the fact they're taking a more active role in this history-making process.