Dan Schnur was former political consultant for John McCain back when the Arizona Senator was a maverick, running against George W. Bush. On some policy issues we have had tremendous disagreement. But when it comes to integrity in government, the honesty of elections, the enhancement of voting rights and the education of voters; we have tremendously similar views.

Nothing in our lifetime was more upsetting than the theft of the 2000 election in Florida. Despite the current denial of some in the body politic that Bush Jr. won the election, the results did not reflect the wishes of the voters. That Bush lost in the popular vote is certain, that “butterfly” ballots confused some in Florida who wished to vote for Al Gore and ended up voting for Pat Buchanan is undeniable. Whether the ballots floating in Florida waters or a full accounting of the votes that were turned in would have made a difference is still up for debate.

But we can take away from that election is one appalling outcome; the voters wishes were not honored. Fair elections are essential in our republic and it is the duty of the Secretary of State to insure their fairness.

Schnur, who is now an independent, having long lost his credentials as a republican. (being way too moderate). In fact, he might have been drummed out of his former party if he hadn’t resigned. It’s always good to be at the head of the parade. That said, he is an honest person who believes in ethical politics–regardless of party.

In addition, he has assembled a bipartisan team of political advisors from both sides of the aisle, including Karen Skelton from the Clinton Administration and Darry Sragow a highly respected Democratic Consultant. Locally, Jim Cunneen is a supporter.

Schnur’s first goal is to ban fundraising by legislators while the legislature is in session. It has long been a custom for some legislators to throw lavish events in the middle of session and force lobbyists whose bills depend on their good relationships with law makers to pony up to show support for their friends. The timing is unseemly and some legislative results have been affected.

Second, and even more important, is the failure of our educational system to provide the necessary learning needed for citizens to participate in their democracy. The lowest voting participation comes from the young and those who are disadvantaged. While educators become more rigid in core curriculum; civics, government and politics have been diminished as necessary classroom topics.

Schnur want to increase the education of new voters to participate in government.

Finally, Schnur believes the Secretary of State, who oversees elections, should be a nonpartisan job. He believes people will be more confident in the outcome of the process if a neutral party administers it. But nobody, including Schnur, is free from political thought or philosophy so that it would not influence their policy considerations.

But from a purely administrative point of view, it is extremely necessary that a Secretary of State who oversees our election system be able to overcome any political persuasion and administer the process in a fair manner. Schnur is right that integrity has no party.

And while California is not Florida, we have seen what can happen when the voting process is overseen by a purely partisan state administration, where the Governor was the brother of a national candidate, the Secretary of State the state chair of the campaign and the U.S. Supreme Court whose members were appointed by the candidate’s father ultimately determined the outcome.

Never again.