Venzke Kevin said:
I wonder if the only reason IRV has more apparent backing than approval or Condorcet is because it would permit our present politicians to be elected even more easily.
I think most individuals who vote for IRV do so because they know plurality is flawed and IRV is the only alternative they've heard of. An individual voter who supports IRV is an ally to those who support Approval, Condorcet, and Proportional Representation, because the odds are that he would be receptive to other methods if he knew they existed.
I like the thought, but still do not want to promote IRV:
If I promote IRV, my word turns to mud if I then admit I knew of something better and did not try to sell it.
Once they invest in IRV equipment they want neither the dollar nor learning cost of doing a replacement.
Even if IRV doesn't break the duopoly, if it enables third parties to consistently poll 10% or more among the first-place votes, I think it will prompt public outcries for Proportional Representation. Although there are differences of opinion on this list regarding PR methods, many people here support some form of PR.
I question your claim about outcries - especially when the topic becomes what flavor of PR to pick.
Anyway, PR is no help for electing mayors or governors.
Alex
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