Бывший вице-губернатор Рутерфорд призвал реформировать избирательную систему Мэриленда ради снижения поляризации

In this episode of “Across the Aisle,” former Maryland state Sen. Bobby Zirkin speaks with former Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford about political independence, election reform and the growing influence of the two major parties. Rutherford reflects on his unexpected entry into electoral politics as Larry Hogan’s running mate and their underdog victory in the 2014 governor’s race. He and Zirkin discuss the importance of campaigning beyond party lines, listening to voters with different political views and governing through compromise. Much of the conversation focuses on Rutherford’s lawsuit challenging Maryland’s closed-primary system, which prevents nearly one-quarter of the state’s registered voters from participating because they are unaffiliated with a political party. Rutherford argues that taxpayers should not finance elections that exclude eligible voters, particularly in districts where the primary effectively determines the winner. They also examine gerrymandering, partisan redistricting and election systems that often favor candidates from the political extremes. Zirkin advocates for open primaries and ranked-choice voting, while Rutherford explains how broader participation could encourage candidates to appeal to more voters and reduce political polarization. The episode highlights the dangers of placing party loyalty above principle and calls for an electoral system that gives voters greater choice, rewards compromise and strengthens representative democracy. You can watch the podcast weekly, posting every Tuesday on YouTube and The Baltimore Sun, and listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and iHeart.