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Dorfsmith
01-28-2008, 02:37 PM
5 Members of my family are going to caucus for Ron Paul for the first time in Colorado. They are used to the primary system in California. My mom called today and asked what they can expect. Anybody have any insight? They know their location and to show up at 6:30 but that's it.

J Free
01-28-2008, 08:28 PM
The caucus will last roughly one hour - 7pm-8pm. The meeting itself follows a standard script which I can send you (the Denver script) if you are interested:

1. Call to Order - If the precinct has an existing committeeman, they will do this. Otherwise, it can be done by any Republican in attendance. IMPORTANT: the person who steps up and runs the meeting (absent an existing precinct leader) has an EXCELLENT chance of becoming a precinct leader or delegate - esp with 5 supporters there. There are MANY vacant precinct committee jobs.

2. Register/certify attendees

3. Elect caucus chair/secretary/tellers. These folks run the caucus meeting itself, complete the formal paperwork (which will be provided at the caucus location), and count the votes.

4. Conduct Presidential Preference Poll. Done by ballot, counted by tellers, certified by attendees. Some counties may have/allow short speeches for a candidate upfront. Here in CO, I'd recommend focusing on immigration/borders, strengthening the state by allowing freedom from DC, and the economic future. Results are not binding on delegates even though these are the "results" which will be announced in the media.

5. Elect 2 precinct leaders (one male, one female). If more than two are nominated, plurality vote determines. These become members of the county central committee for the next two years.

6. Elect delegate(s) to the county assembly. Number depends on the precinct. Rough rule of thumb - 1 delegate for every 100-200 registered GOP voters in the precinct - plus a bit if the precinct is in a Republican area and has elected GOP officials. The specific number will be provided at the caucus location. If election is competitive, then plurality vote. They may make a short speech too. PLEASE have your family consider running. With five votes from the family, they have a reasonable chance of winning. They don't even need to mention Ron Paul (though I suspect attendees may insist on finding out who delegates favor). They are the ones being elected to represent their neighbors at the county assembly - and the prez preference poll is not binding. These county assemblies are the next step in ultimately selecting delegates to the national convention.

7. Elect delegates to legislative district nominating assemblies. These are the assemblies that decide on GOP candidates for local offices.

8. Prepare a list of election judges. These are people who volunteer to watch precincts and certify results for the August local primaries and the November general election.

9. Any additional business that comes up. Close meeting. Hand in paperwork to district officer at caucus location.

Anyone who is a certified attendee is eligible to become any of the above - and the ONLY thing that matters for this election are the delegates/leaders. Caucuses are sparsely attended except in Colorado Springs and a few active GOP counties. Caucus locations are available at each county's GOP website (see my ronpaulcolorado.org site below). They may (or may not) be announced in the newspapers. And yes the doors slam shut at 7:00 pm - so be there by 6:30pm. Unlike Iowa or some other places, this caucus is low-key and business. Taking charge of the agenda/meeting is gonna be far more effective than wearing Ron Paul gear.

Dorfsmith
01-28-2008, 09:57 PM
Cool. Thanks :cool: That information will be very helpful.

Rocky Mtn Liberty Lover
01-30-2008, 07:12 AM
What happens in a scenario where 6 people attend the caucus and 4 support Romney and 2 support Paul? Assume 3 delegates are allowed. Do the Romney voters control and get all 3 delegates or is it split 2/1?

InTheoryTV
01-30-2008, 08:22 PM
In this case Romney gets them all.

It is the State delegate vote at the end that is important. Alternates are the delegates that are going to the Congressional District conventions.

Not many precincts will have 3 State Delegates.

So try to get your precinct to ellect RP State and RP Congressional district delegates.

J Free
01-30-2008, 09:17 PM
What happens in a scenario where 6 people attend the caucus and 4 support Romney and 2 support Paul? Assume 3 delegates are allowed. Do the Romney voters control and get all 3 delegates or is it split 2/1?

Delegates are going to be elected PERSONALLY by the people in attendance at the caucus. They are not allocated and there are no top-down rules about who gets to vote for whom.

Anyone can nominate themselves - on caucus night - to be a delegate. Anyone attending can vote for anyone who is nominated to be a delegate.

In heavily Republican precincts, a lot of delegate slots may well be available - but those precincts are also going to be extremely competitive. It is unlikely that any Ron Paul supporter has the party experience and contacts to become a delegate there.

In heavily Democratic precincts (much of Denver, Boulder, mountains, SW) - simply attending the caucus with your family and PERSONAL friends in the neighborhood may be enough to become a delegate.

In running for delegate -- make people's reasons to vote for you PERSONAL. Talk about local issues, improving the local party. If necessary, say that you will vote at the county assembly for whomever the precinct prefers -- if that candidate is still in the race - or on the first ballot. And dress like it is a job interview - even coat and tie depending on your precinct.

This can be a way of getting "support" from everyone. Your goal is to represent your neighbors and BE at the county/state assemblies yourself. Not to be a missionary for truth. This is a PROCESS not an EVENT. The point now is to stay in the game - and the only way you can stay at the game is to attend the county/state assembly as your precinct's representative.

And if you want to canvass your precinct now, you enhance your chances. It is too late to sell people on Ron Paul. Sell them on YOU. Ask them to come to the caucus to support YOU because you want to ensure that the Republican Party pays attention to your precinct.

J Free
01-30-2008, 09:33 PM
Let me add a point about the caucus.

Make a point of introducing yourself to everyone who attends your precinct caucus. Network. Schmooze. Engage in non-political small talk. Get to know those neighbors who show up who you don't know. Tell them you're glad they showed up.

The preference poll is truly almost meaningless. The point is to ensure that your neighbors like you because you made them feel welcome at the caucus. NOT to ensure that they understand how the Federal Reserve works.

Maltheus
01-31-2008, 03:19 PM
Check out this page on the Colorado caucus system:

http://ronpaul.corehook.com/caucus.php

There are also training videos on the site, but you'll have to get the password from your meetup organizer. Or you can call one of the offices listed on the 'Volunteer' page.