The following Q&A is with Democrat Assemblyman Marty Block, candidate for California State Senate District 39.

Are you personally in favor of the new open primary system?

(Credit: AP Photo)

American third parties have famously struggled due to onerous ballot restrictions. Some have attempted to overcome this disadvantage by nominating "big name" candidates. This often means running a former officeholder of one of the major parties as the Libertarians did with Bob Barr in 2008 and Gary Johnson this year.

Nick Canepa of the U-T San Diego wrote a column last week on the need to change the make up of the San Diego Padres’ front office, claiming whoever ends up owning the Padres should affect a clean sweep. Canepa often gets it right but this time he didn’t, because his idea is absurd.

The following Q&A is with Republican Assemblyman Jeff Miller, candidate for California State Senate District 31.

Are you personally in favor of the new open primary system?

In June 2010, California voters changed the election system in California by approving Proposition 14 (“Prop 14”), to instate a non-Partisan open primary system. The objective of Prop 14 was to produce more competitive elections and to give independent voters and other non-majority-party voters a say in the election. According to longtime Republican strategist, Allan Hoffenblum, it would reduce "meaningless runoffs."