Monday, Nov 26, 2007 - 08:55 PM
Elections Board OKs GOP loyalty oath for presidential primary
By BOB LEWIS
Richmond, VA - Voters in Virginia's Feb. 12 Republican presidential primary will have to sign an oath swearing loyalty to the eventual GOP ticket.
The State Board of Elections on Monday approved a state Republican Party request that all who apply for a GOP primary ballot first vow in writing to vote for the Republican presidential nominee next fall.
http://www.inrich.com/...
The article explained that Virginians do not register by party, a system that has caused Virginia Republicans sleepless nights since the 1990s. They don't want Democrats in the state to meddle in Republican primaries.
There is no practical way to enforce the GOP covenant in the constitutionally guaranteed secrecy of the voting booth. Yet the oath is a concept Virginia's GOP has considered for years.
The article did not discuss whether Republicans would be required to swear an oath on a Bible; if a Koran was acceptable; or if, in the state for which Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Religious Freedom, a copy of the Jefferson Bible would be sufficient.
Virginia Democrats require no oath for their presidential primary.
In early November elections, Democrats rejiggered the State government under Democrat Tim Kaine to a 21-19 majority.
http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/...
Democrats are gaining strength in more populous Northern Virginia and on Virginia's coast, but rural areas remain in Republican hands.