Common Sense Party is correct choice for many

In IJ political columnist Dick Spotswood's recently published commentary (“From Marin to Sacramento, here's what should happen in 2023,” Jan. 1), he observed that the new centrist Common Sense Party can become the source of alternative (and bold) ideas for California in 2023. I have been registered as a “Common Sensor” since last year.

As Spotswood points out, one-party dominance doesn't necessarily lead to the best problem-solving. Witness housing mandates with little local control. With Republicans reduced to irrelevance in Sacramento and little chance of regaining strength any time soon, another moderating voice is needed.

The key is California's toptwo primary system that usually sets up two Democrats competing in the November general election. A strong moderate has a very good chance of coming in second in a primary with proper backing. It doesn't take much, as Brian Dahle had only 18% of the primary vote to run against Gov. Gavin Newsom last year. In a one-party state, even a modest second-place finish could create a meaningful runoff — and a chance for new ideas in Sacramento.

Being an independent voter before the Common Sense has enough registered voters to be formally recognized as a California political party does not diminish our participation in any elections. I hope that there are more of us in Marin that do not favor the fringes of the right or left. Learn more at cacommonsense.org.