The Chicago Tribune observed that "Illinois Republicans aren't just losing. They're disappearing." Republicans hold no statewide offices. Democrats hold a veto-proof majority in the legislature, and the governor is, of course, a Democrat. The Tribune noted that only 560,000 people voted Republican for governor in the recent primary. "Disappearing" indeed.
One may prefer Republicans or Democrats, but no one should prefer one-party rule. Would you want to be a Republican in California? Would you want to be a Democrat in Texas?
American government texts extol the virtues of parties. They promote participation. They recruit and develop talent. They formulate and implement policy. Crucially, they moderate politics.
Some scholars advocate for two parties. Some prefer multiparty systems. But no one advocates a one-party system. Such a system robs parties of virtually all their virtues.
So get to work, Illinois Republicans, Texas Democrats, California Republicans. You owe us your best efforts.
I'm Bob Evans, and that is my perspective.
Copy Edited by Eryn Lent
