The nominee for secretary of defense defended himself against allegations that he had a problem with alcohol. “I am a man of some discipline,” he testified in his confirmation hearing. He also pushed back against accusations of marital affairs, which called his character and judgment into question. The Senate was unconvinced, and his nomination was defeated, 53-47.
For political factions and special interests on both the left and right, primaries have become tools to wield disproportionate political power relative to their actual support among voters. In 2024, 87% of U.S. House seats were effectively decided in primaries by just 7% of eligible voters nationally. Influencing this small and often more partisan and ideological base of voters is not very challenging, and incumbents are well aware.
While some states are trying to restrict their primaries even further by prohibiting the participation of independent voters, other states like Alaska have moved in the opposite direction by establishing open, all-candidate primaries. This system ensures elections are decided by a true majority of voters, regardless of party. And it liberates leaders, such as Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, to represent all of their constituents and vote their conscience. It is no coincidence that Murkowski announced Thursday that she will be voting against Hegseth’s nomination.
