Chronicle Editorial

Complicating the convention
 
     This year’s unpredictable election cycle seems poised to become even more convoluted when Republicans gather for the 2016 National Convention later this summer.
     The GOP, already troubled by inter-party turmoil and voter unrest, is headed towards its first brokered convention since 1976. Neither Donald Trump nor Ted Cruz seems capable of gaining enough delegates to win the nomination outright, which will force a decision by party leadership later this summer. Though some Trump supporters have already cried out against the process, it’s how the system works sometimes.
     The brokered convention is undoubtedly strange. It seemingly works to circumvent the will of the people by deciding the party’s nomination through closed-door compromises in the proverbial “smoke-filled rooms.” However, modern rules give at least some transparency to the process. Gone are the days of party bosses and other sketchy deals, but there’s still some degree of crookedness about the whole process. If one candidate already has a majority of votes and delegates from the primary elections, why pick someone else?
     No matter who Republicans select, they might face tough odds in the general election. If they pick Cruz over Trump, the party risks losing Trump’s supporters, who very well might not vote altogether if he’s not on the ticket. Conversely, Cruz’s chances could be slim due to his previous record in Washington. Not many colleagues were keen on the Texas senator when he entered the race and have only endorsed him in an attempt to slow Trump’s momentum.
     The Democrats are no shining light, either. Hillary Clinton still can’t shake Bernie Sanders, but most pundits believe she’ll be the nominee despite Sanders’ recent surge. The math simply doesn’t add up for the self-proclaimed “Democratic socialist,” but he seems content to drag it out as long as possible nonetheless.
     No matter which side you sit on, this year’s election has been a doozey. A brokered Republican convention will no doubt leave the party divided, but that’s no different than where it’s at now. The convention will be a fitting end to a rather indescribable election cycle that has been defined as the unpredictable and unprecedented.
 
Spring, someday
 
     April’s blustery conditions and cool temps have given us a rather chilly introduction to spring this year. It’s been too cold or too rainy to do anything outside, and we even got a few snowflakes last week. Iowa’s weather once again proved itself to be as unpredictable as always.
     Despite the unfavorable conditions, there’s still plenty going on beyond your front yard right now. Spring sports are in full swing throughout the state. Track meets are plentiful, tennis courts are bustling, and golf courses are getting hacked this way and that. It’s a busy time of the year and the events are worth watching if you’re up to the elements.
     Baseball season is also in full swing with fans returning to Major League parks across the country. Though Iowa is void of its own pro team, many of our adopted franchises are poised for promising seasons this summer. The Cubs, Cardinals and Royals all return post season-caliber lineups, while the Twins are hoping to leap into the playoffs after an exciting 2015 campaign. There’s still a lot of baseball to be played, but it seems Iowa’s sports fans have a lot to look forward to.
     Of course, there are plenty of other activities going on to keep you busy. Franklin County and the surrounding area have plenty of great recreational parks, trails and other attractions for you to appreciate this spring. We’ve been cooped up for long enough – get out there and enjoy it!