Perhaps we should name a 'first alternate'

I have been voting in presidential elections since 1964 when Barry Goldwater ran against Lyndon B. Johnson, but I have never seen anything remotely like the circus that is now taking place during the primaries in both parties.

Not only are the front-runners weak in substance and character, but both have the potential to be unelectable after they have won their party primaries. For this reason, both the Democratic and Republican parties should choose a "first alternate" -- like in the Miss America pageant -- for president. If Miss America is unable to carry out her duties, the first alternate steps in and assumes the role's responsibilities.

In most cases, the vice president is chosen to shore up a presidential candidate's weakness in a particular area or to secure electoral votes in a key state, but the vice president may not be the best choice to become president if needed, so an alternate would be able to fill the position.

I suggest Ohio Gov. John Kasich as the first alternate for the Republican Party. After 18 years of experience in the House of Representatives, balancing the budget for the first and last time in decades as budget chairman and being twice elected as governor of Ohio and turning that state's economy into a model for the nation, Kasich is qualified.

For the Democratic Party, I would suggest the articulate Jim Webb, former senator of Virginia, who was an early dropout for the 2016 nomination due to a lack of press and party support. Webb is a decorated combat Marine, former assistant secretary of defense, former Secretary of the Navy and the author of 10 books.

At first, the first alternate idea was a tongue-in-cheek notion, but as the primaries drag on, it just might become a valid option and a necessary one at that.

DAVID MATTINA

Biloxi

This story was originally published March 3, 2016 at 6:53 PM with the headline "Perhaps we should name a 'first alternate' ."