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Caucus 101
Posted Jan 29, 2008 at 03:30pm by Lisa Dethloff

My fellow Americans: 2008 is a year of many events: the Olympics, an extra day in February, and most importantly – ELECTIONS. For those of you who know me, I am a political junkie. I love government, politics, campaigns, advertising and yard signs. For example, you will see me at the Kansas State Fair this year taking samples of campaign brochures from the various candidates and political parties and studying them for spelling mistakes, format and content. Yes that is fun for me. We shall discuss possible treatments for my “illness” at another time.
 
However, we as YPers have the opportunity to participate in a unique process on February 5 or February 9, depending on your political party affiliation: Presidential Caucuses. The Hutchinson News ran a very good article earlier last week explaining the system, but I thought I would try to explain too. The purpose of a caucus/primary is to determine the number of delegates each presidential candidate will receive during the nominating process.
 
For example, to win the Republican nomination for President, a candidate must receive votes from 1,191 delegates (total number of delegates is 2,380). To win the Democratic nomination, a candidate must received votes from 2,025 delegates (total number of delegates is 4,049). While the candidates receive delegate votes throughout the primary season, the votes are formally cast at the respective political party conventions.
 
Yes, I may host watch parties for the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis/St. Paul in September and the Democratic National Convention in Denver in late August. Usually the State of Kansas engages in a presidential primary system. However last year, the Kansas legislature decided not to appropriate the money for the contest. According to The Hutchinson News, the total cost would have been around $2 million. So the Kansas Democratic Party and Kansas Republican Party decided to hold caucuses.
 
If you are a registered Republican or Democrat, you should participate in the caucus system. It will be your first opportunity to shape our country’s future in the world of presidential politics.
 
Here are some basic rules:
How to Participate in the Reno County Democratic Caucus on Tuesday, February 5, 2008– From The Hutchinson News
 
 • Eligibility: Anyone who will be 18 by Nov. 4, Election Day, can participate. Also, a participant must be a registered Democrat and a resident of the state senate district in which the caucus is held. Voters registered as Republicans or unaffiliated can switch their party at the caucus site and take part.
 
• Location: In the 34th Senate District - Reno County - the caucus will be at Memorial Hall, 101 S. Walnut. • Time: Registration at caucus sites will start at 6 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. Voters must be in line by 7 p.m.
 
• How it will work: The caucus chairman will appoint a secretary and inform voters they have up to 30 minutes to split into preference groups. Using the caucus registration rolls, the chairman will determine the 15 percent threshold of support needed for a candidate to continue in the process. "A reasonable amount of time" will be allowed for participants to change their preference group. When the final vote count is announced, participants will sign a sheet for their candidate or "uncommitted."
 
How to Participate in the Reno County Republican Caucus on Saturday, February 9, 2008– From The Hutchinson News
 
• Eligibility: Any voter who was registered as a Republican by Jan. 25. Important: State-issued photo identification - such as a driver's license - must be presented at the caucus and the ID must match the address on voter registration rolls.
 
• Location: Blue Dragon Room at Hutchinson Community College's Parker Student Union.
 
• Time: Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m., with the caucus scheduled to start at 10 a.m. CST.
 
• How it will work: The caucus chairman will open the session, and representatives from the campaigns will be allowed to speak. Ten minutes will be allowed per candidate. After the speeches, participants will vote by secret ballot. They will vote only once and for only one candidate, and no advance voting will be allowed. The caucus chairman will announce the results. Results from all caucus locations must be submitted to the Kansas Secretary of State's office by 5 p.m.
 
If you need more information you can also check out the following websites: Kansas Republican Party: http://www.ksgopcaucus.org/ and the Kansas Democratic Party: http://www.ksdp.org/SuperTuesday


Comments 

Wow, You do have an illness.

Just kidding, great info, thanks for the scoop. I knew that it was happening this year but wasn't sure of the new process.

. Posted Jan 29, 2008 at 03:42pm by Cody Heitschmidt

Caucus here I come!

I am very excited to take part in this year's caucus. I will be at my respective site and I already know who I'll "preference" This is a great year for Kansans b/c usually at this time the nominee is already secured. This year we actually get to be apart of the decision making. ??? for President :-)

. Posted Jan 29, 2008 at 03:47pm by Jessica Miller

Can't Wait!!

Thanks for the great information. I am excited to take part in the process and see how it all works. It is even better since the race is still up for grabs.

. Posted Jan 29, 2008 at 06:06pm by Lance Patterson


Using "preference groups" and secret ballots to help determine the President of the United States - what a great country!!! I do not have the same political illness that effects Lisa and while I still do understand the whole political process, I do appreciate the fact that I can have a say. Not only for the President, but also for the local issues and races that will be coming up. I look forward to getting involved!

. Posted Jan 31, 2008 at 06:55pm by Nathan Meyer

Nothing beats a good Caucus!!!

Election years are the best, because I get to say the word "caucus" a lot. It makes me feel like I am getting away with saying something dirty in Greek. So I take advantage of every opportunity to work it into conversations wherever I can: "Did you see the size of that caucus?" "I left that caucus completely satisfied." "You have not lived until you see a caucus in action." "Have you ever considered holding a caucus?" "If you've seen one caucus, you've seen 'em all." I was fortunate enough to participate in the 2004 caucus here in Hutchinson. It was an exhilirating experience. There were three major candidates from my party at the time. One was the clear favorite. The the other two seemed to be fighting for table scraps. I was an early supporter of one of the underdogs. It was quickly becoming apparent that my candidate was going to be viable(but just barely) and the other was not. That gave me the opportunity to lobby the supporters of the nonviable candidate to come support my guy. Believe it or not, they all listened, and most came over to stand by me. Needless to say this went straight to my head, as I volunteered, and subsequently was voted, to become a delegate to represent my candidate at the Congressional District Conventions. At the Congressional District level, I attempted to become a delegate(s) to represent my candidate at the 2004 National Convention. I was robbed!!! But I digress. Regardless of the outcome, regardless of the fact that they overlooked what could have been the most enthusiastic delegate at the 2004 convention(I'm not bitter), I enjoyed the process. I enjoy the ability to potentially impact the shape of things. So, no matter what your political persuasion, I highly recommend you get out the vote on you particular day. Food for thought: Don't you wish they would combine Super Tuesday with Fat Tuesday, to make "Super Fat Tuesday"? I don't know what the political outcome would be,but I would bet you Hillary would end the day wearing a LOT more bead necklaces than Barack. Maybe not more than McCain, though.

. Posted Feb 1, 2008 at 05:34pm by David Inskeep

Inskeep for President?!?

After reading David's narrative, I feel like I was just persuaded a little bit to vote for him for something...are you running for anything?

. Posted Feb 4, 2008 at 04:07pm by Nathan Meyer

President of What??

Please keep in mind there are 2 David Inskeeps in Hutchinson.

. Posted Feb 4, 2008 at 04:13pm by Cody Heitschmidt

Not currently running!!!

I think Adlai Stevenson said it best,"In America, anybody may become president, and I suppose it's just one of the risks you take." So no, I am not currently seeking any office. However, for those paying attention. There will be a David Inskeep on the ballot in November. My father is running for Kansas Senate in district 34. He has a website you can visit for additional info, www.daveinskeep.com. You will get the pleasure of seeing my shoulder and my youngest daughter in two seperate pictures. Although I have been told I have nice shoulders, I think her picture is probably better. I appreciate your vote of condfidence, and should I decide to run for anything, you will be the first person I ask for money, this much I promise.

. Posted Feb 4, 2008 at 04:36pm by David Inskeep

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