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In Ohio, National Delegates (district, not statewide) are chosen at a Congressional District Caucus, which for the '04 cycle will be held on January 12, 2004. There are a variety of selection methods, which vary by state. The information below applies only to Ohioans, so take it for what its worth. :-)
Before the caucus, you must file a "Declaration of Candidacy" form with the Ohio Dem Party (these forms become available around November). On the form, you pledge your support to the candidate of your choice.
Next, you attend the caucus. For Dukakis (Caucus for Dukakis!) in 1988, I think maybe thirty folks showed up in my district. Five of us were running for delegate, with four slots (two men, two women) available. The rest of the folks were registered voters who signed a pledge of support for that candidate, and who were there to vote for that candidate's delegates. In this case, we were allowed to make brief speeches. Then, by signed (not secret) ballot, the vote takes place. Following the outcome of the primary, the delegates are ranked, and thereby selected.
I'm oversimplifying this complicated process a bit, so the best way for you to understand how to be a delegate is to contact your State Democratic Party and ask for the scoop. I promise that in the end, they make it quite easy to apply and run!
:-) Good Luck, and let's send a TON of DUers to BeanTown in '04! :-)
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