After holding its first non-partisan open primary this June, California went from the least competitive, to the most competitive elections in the country, according to Ballotpedia. Arizona has a similar measure on its ballot that would end party-controlled primaries.As the 2012 General Election approaches, IVN will pay special attention to the numerous incumbent partisans in California who face serious challenge for the first time, the state of Arizona's open elections initiative, and other races across the country where independent-minded voters are challenging the partisanship that pervades our politics.