Here’s the latest example of why I contend there is no such thing as a “non-partisan” race.
For those not familiar with the term, “non-partisan” means the candidate’s political affiliation does not appear on the ballot next to the candidate’s name. These races are primarily local races such as school board, board of regents and city council.
The problems with designating these races as “non-partisan” – which, to many, means the political parties should stay out of them – is that Democrats and Republicans generally hold VERY different views on matters which come before these “non-partisan” boards, ESPECIALLY in the area of education. In addition, many so-called “non-partisan” elected officials use their “non-partisan” elected positions as springboards to higher, partisan elected offices.
For example, liberal Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-Nevada) cut her teeth on the “non-partisan” Board of Regents before running for Congress. Ditto Democrat Jill Derby, who used her experience on the “non-partisan” Board of Regents to run against Rep. Dean Heller (R-Nevada) in the last two congressional elections.
And on Friday we found out that Olivas Trigg, the president of the “non-partisan” Douglas County School Board, has thrown her hat into the ring as a Democrat candidate against Congressman Heller next year. And let’s face it, the ONLY reason Trigg is taken even semi-seriously is because she’s an elected official in a “non-partisan” office. Otherwise, her candidacy probably wouldn’t even make it onto a Democrat blog, let alone in mainstream newspapers.
Repeat after me: There’s no such thing as a non-partisan race. There’s no such thing…
