Letter: Circumstances shape our political world

Monday, May 15, 2006 | 7:19 a.m.

In response to the May 12 article by J. Patrick Coolican about the local political universe, while in and of itself it is accurate, it does not take into account several other factors.

The biggest factor left out is the nature of the population in this state and Clark County.

While most of the rural counties have remained stable, the recent growth in Washoe County and Clark County, especially, has resulted in a population that is generally from somewhere else in this country and is most concerned with their own personal concerns. They are concerned about their families, home, children and employment.

The vast majority have never had any great interest in politics anywhere they have lived. Just getting settled here is what they are concerned about.

This has given those who are long-term residents and politically inclined to dominate. There is an unofficial socialization process, which I went through, and most other newcomers don't wish to make an effort to do so. In the local political universe that may take years, and most people do not want to have to do that.

An example of what I am talking about is the caucus system used every four years to choose presidential nominees. This process allows a very small number of people to dominate the process. Holding a presidential primary would open up the process.

Even if only 25 to 30 percent of potential voters took part in the election, that would immediately involve thousands more in the process. The old excuse that it would be too expensive is a ruse that allows the few to dominate the system.

Yes, there is too much political incest here, but it will take an educated and motivated populace to overcome this situation.

John Hamilton, Las Vegas