Now here's an interesting finding that will delight those who like a lot of elections and those who want to save taxpayers a few bucks: According to a new poll by Public Policy Polling, N.C. voters want to preserve runoff elections, but they say taxpayers ought not to pay. Candidates should underwrite the cost of runoffs.
Among other things, I expect that would lead to fewer runoffs. And you have to wonder if Democrat Cal Cunningham would have called for a runoff after N.C. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall failed to win a 40 percent plurality in the Democratic primary race for the party's nomination to challenge incumbent U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C. She won the runoff convincingly by a 60-40 margin. Of course, most decisions would probably depend upon whether the challenger has to pay the entire tab, or whether it would be shared with the first primary leader -- who wouldn't be thrilled to have to pay a dime for a runoff.
The numbers show that of those polled, more than twice as many think the challenger who calls for a runoff should foot the bill – 56 to 24 percent, with 20 percent undecided.
Tom Jensen, PPP's analyst, describes the findings this way:
41% of voters in the state support continuing to pick party nominees in a runoff when no candidate gets at least 40% of the vote in the primary. 32% think North Carolina should no longer have runoffs and 27% of voters don't have an opinion either way. There is no division along party lines when it comes to the issue- Democrats support keeping runoffs 42/28, Republicans do so 40/36, and independents do by a 39/34 spread.
Voters support maintaining runoffs but in the wake of a statewide one last month that drew little interest they think the candidates requesting them should fit the bill. 56% of North Carolinians would like to see that move made to 24% opposed. Majorities of Republicans, (60%) independents, (56%), and Democrats (52%) all support a move toward campaigns paying for runoff elections.
The Legislature's gone home and this is not a top priority for voters in the state but making campaigns fund runoffs would be a rare initiative with bipartisan support from the public.
