A peculiar presidential primary

Apparently, the only thing better than a closed Republican primary is two closed Republican primaries.

It's even sweeter if you can get Democrats to help foot the extra bill.

Barring an unexpected rejection from the House, the Republican-dominant Idaho Legislature is poised to establish a presidential primary election on the second Tuesday of March. On March 8, 2016, the presidential primary would precede the regular May primary - at an additional cost to Idaho taxpayers of up to $2 million.

The alleged logic behind the bill is that by the time Idaho Republicans have their say on who should represent the party in the presidential race, the issue has been all but decided. Super Tuesday fever helps render Idaho's nomination process tepid at best.

Let's be frank. It's not as if the rest of the nation is holding its breath, waiting for a word of political wisdom from Idaho. Because of our modest population and historical lack of relevance on the national political landscape, Idaho's voice in such matters is a mere mumble drowned out by the thunderous chorus of others. Our delegates to the national conventions just don't hold much sway.

If there's a silver lining, it's that the GOP is acknowledging the failure of its one-and-done caucus. In 2012, confusion reigned and many a solid Republican felt abused by the caucus circus that unfolded. There was no provision for absentee or early voting; veterans and residents in care facilities were disenfranchised. Because of poor execution, some locations around the state - including here, as a matter of fact - only got rolling about the time most of the citizens had to go home to bed.

An early, expensive presidential primary just doesn't seem to be a high priority compared to other dire needs in Idaho. It would at least be more palatable if the party were to pick up its own tab.