Local Primaries: A Day of Ill Will Among the Faithful.

Nothing divides party loyalists like a municipal primary. Most people who get involved in politics go it on the local level, usually with some matter close to home as the spur. One of the rewards of becoming involved is working with people in your community on a common goal and interest. A lifetime of friendships is often an unexpected benefit.

Then along comes that old mischief maker, the local primary. Friends take sides and madness takes its seat at the table. Allies begin to demonize each other in astonishing terms. Accusations fly. Grievances and sores that the public knew nothing of become the showpieces of the ugly campaign. It’s worse when the contest is between party stalwarts who have tried to do down each other.

These are breaches that require more than the seven weeks between primary day and the election to heal.