Politics in Michigan

Alas - the painful pangs of being a resident of a swing-state (near the major airport, no less) during an election cycle...

In any case, at least the good news is that Michigan is trying to pull ahead the primaries, in a blatant and overdue attempt to put a spotlight on some of the problems here.

But there's some question about whether or not that will happen - some in the state prefer a caucus. The difference between the two, of course, being known to no one who isn't a Machiavellian insider.

I'll save you the pain of reading the article linked above, and take you directly to the subject of today's rant...

"U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak, a Michigan Democrat who supports Edwards, said in a letter released Tuesday night that he opposes a presidential primary.

He didn't mention Edwards, instead saying it would be irresponsible to hold an expensive, state-paid primary at a time when the Michigan budget is strapped. Edwards supporters also pointed out voters would have to present identification under Michigan's photo ID law in a primary, something they wouldn't face in a caucus."

So - there are two problems:

1. Michigan doesn't have any money
2. Eliminating voter fraud, through a means as simple and convenient as photo ID, is something to be avoided

You might think that these TWO problems require TWO solutions. But I have a better solution, to which I propose to those in Lansing: just don't hold an election at all. We'll stay home and you can tell us how we voted.