[Congressman Billybob]

What you describe is the way that all American elections were conducted until the Australian "secret ballot" was adopted here, beginning in Louisville, Ky., in 1888. I could, with you, list the benefits of returning to that system. But I see no pragmatic possibility that the nation will ever go backwards on that general decision.

John / Billybob

[DakotaGator]

But I see no pragmatic possibility that the nation will ever go backwards on that general decision.

You are correct sir. And I agree with you.

My stance is that the further we depart from our original system, the worse it will become. As long as government is involved with the political parties' processes those processes will be terribly tainted.

Mr. Talley's idea of a National Primary has an appealing elegance. But to my way of thinking it deepens government involvement. And that worries me.

Our political parties are already stagnant due, in large part, to government freezing of their structures. I believe this is unhealthy. And I am loathe to increase government involvement.

Having said that, let's presume the National Primary idea was adopted. What is your position on adding the selection "None of the Above" to each office's list of candidates?

Might make the parties and primary candidates more accountable and work harder. Or it just may stir up the pot!