Primary Buzz DISCUSSIONS SERIES
Open Primaries President John Opdycke hosts a monthly virtual discussion series to facilitate dialogue and debate within the growing independent and political reform arenas. Open Primaries is a leading national organization advocating for the full voting rights of every American, including the 49% who identify as political independents.
Every month, 500-1200 people participate via Zoom or Facebook Live in a vibrant interview with Q and A open to all participants.
Notable Past guests include: Psychologist Jonathan Haidt, Civil Rights leader and No Labels Co-Chair Dr. Ben Chavis, Forward Party Founder Andrew Yang, Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, Former La Raza Board Chair Danny Ortega and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt.
NEXT DISCUSSION:
“I’m running as an independent because Maine’s next chapter can’t be dictated by party bosses in Washington or by the special interests pouring dark money into our elections. Too many politicians today are more focused on partisan point-scoring than problem-solving. The system thrives on conflict, not resolution, and the issues that matter most – housing, our economy, our schools – get lost in the noise.”
Is this an anomaly, a trend, or who knows? What does it mean for the independent reform movement when successful politicians like Bennett declare their independence from the binary status quo?
On Tuesday November 18th at 3pm ET Open Primaries President John Opdycke will sit down with Bennett for a conversation where he’ll ask the simple but big question: Can Two Party Politics Meet the Needs of the People? Register today!
Bio:
Rick is a lifelong Mainer—with family roots in the state stretching back over 200 years. As a former President of the Maine Senate, he’s known for bringing people together to get things done—crafting bipartisan solutions to lower housing costs, expand education, and tackle the opioid crisis. In business, he’s created jobs and helped turn around struggling Maine-based companies. He is running for Governor of Maine in the 2026 election.