The Sacramento Bee reports that Democrats might actually agree to put an open primary on the ballot in order to secure the vote of Sen. Maldonado for the budget.
I’d advise the Senator to be very careful in terms of how the measure is drafted. If Democrats are really cynical, they will agree to Moldanado’s request and draft an open primary measure that courts will rule unconstitutional. A solid open primary measure that will sustain court challenge must be drafted carefully to withstand court challenge.
(Disclosure: I’ve been consulting with some folks who are trying to draft a new top two primary measure to put on the California ballot).
UPDATE: The Bee’s Capitol Alert brings us this ostensible draft open primary measure from the Legislative Counsel’s office.