Yellow Dog Democrats

Finally, if this Slate article is correct, America has suddenly caught up with that beacon of civilization, Great Britain. Apparently, the basis for this thesis is the New York Times's endorsement of Diane Farrell over the venerable Rep. Chris Shays of the CT 4th District. The Times Editors, who candidly admit that, while they don't know anything about Diane Farrell, have decided to "draw the line" because "his [Shay's] re-election would help empower a party that is long overdue for a shakeup."

Michael Kinsley notes that this move to "support the party, not the person" is fine, and that in England, no one votes for the person for their MP, but the party the person represents.

Of course, I applaud this move to help revitalize our democracy. Unfortunately, further reform is needed. In Great Britain, not only is the election about the party, but the individual is considered so unimportant, he doesn't even have to be a resident of the district. Doesn't the efficiencies of such an electoral process make you feel nigh (though not quite) orgasmic! Thus, Hillary wouldn't have had to bother with her "listening tour" of upstate New York back in 2000. George W. wouldn't have had to leave the Bush fiefdom of Connecticut in order to become governor of Texas.

Indeed, no one would ever have to cross the Beltway ever again. (oh, wait, I guess this reform isn't as necessary as I thought).

N.B.: Shay's is a descendant of the man who instigated Shay's Rebellion in 1786. (I add this footnote solely for the purpose of padding this post with as much useless drivel as possible, in furtherance of this blog's lofty goals and objectives).

N.B. 2: Apparently, Diane Farrell also caused a mini controversy over whether she deserved a Wikipedia entry. (The rule is only House members get entries, not candidates). [I lost the cite, my apologies].

Disclosure: I went to school in the 4th District, but lived in the CT 5th. [Not that this disclosure really matters, but once again, a nod to journalistic responsibility and to make up for my lack of citation for N.B. 2 {see above}].