Admittedly, this is one quirky election year. And, now, it is Political Party Convention weekend! Both the State Republican and Democratic Party’s are gathering for their bi-annual, morale boosting rallies.

Normally, primary elections would be over and the conventions serve as the end of “family feuds” (my definition for primaries). People are able to put their disappointments and losses behind them to rally behind the winners.

As well, these are Presidential year conventions. People have often waged full-scale, aggressive delegate campaigns to be chosen to attend the televised national conventions. This year, it seems they are struggling to have enough people to fill all the slots, though they most assuredly will. The level of excitement that often accompanies Presidential year conventions seems to be missing.

Back to the family feud, the Republicans launched their convention by booing at Governor Perry when he spoke of U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst. Dewhurst is in a run-off with Ted Cruz. There was also much applause, indicating the internal strife within the party. It’s really awkward to have the “reunite rally” convention when you are still in the midst of tense primary run-off elections.

The Democrats are engaged in a battle over selecting their State Party Chair since the current one is retiring. They also have some heated primary races still in contention and strong bitterness left from the Primary. They will use the convention to highlight the “real” Democratic candidates for some of their contested races.

Anyway you slice it, having the state party conventions when the slate is not yet fully chosen is awkward.

Best of luck to both.