The Republican Party is the party of smaller government, right?
Thanks to the GOP, taxpayers in the 5th District must now find $250,000 to decide who’ll run for Congress (Tertium Quids [1]).
The 2nd District is still committed to a firehouse primary/canvass, which at least isn’t paid for by taxpayers, but has resulted in long lines and logistical nightmares in big races, and Congressional races are pretty big.
They could still switch to a primary, and then taxpayers in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton and the Eastern Shore would have to pay for it all. Or they could have a convention paid for by the GOP. At least everyone will get to vote, likely many times.
TQ makes a great point though. How can the party of smaller government and fiscal responsibility simply hand the bill to the taxpayers in deciding nominations?