For the first time in living memory -- independent voters will play a major role in all of California's elections

Independents will be key to upcoming California elections (Jason Olson LETTER Sac Bee) In 2012 -- for the first time in living memory -- independent voters will play a major role in all of California's elections.

Re "Democrats go at GOP, each other" (Capitol & California, Feb. 13): In 2012 -- for the first time in living memory -- independent voters will play a major role in all of California's elections.

Thanks to open primaries and redistricting reform passed by voters in previous elections, all candidates now must run against each other in an open field, where all voters can participate. To get elected, candidates now need to win the support of independent voters. Independent voters have no intention of giving that support away for free.

Independents are deeply concerned about a political dialogue dominated by what's best for the parties rather than what's best for the American people. Independents want critical reforms to our political process to shift that balance of power away from the parties and towards the voters. Candidates looking to win their elections should take note of the independent movement for nonpartisan reform.

-- Jason Olson, San Francisco

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/16/4268925/independents-key-to-upcoming-elections.html#storylink=cpy