What exactly is a caucus as opposed to a primary?

[meegbear]

I know that in a primary, registered voters are allowed to vote for a candidate, like an election. What is different about this.

Also, if they are performing a traditional vote, can they write in someone?

[goodhue]

1. a caucus

is a meeting with neighbors of the same party wherein they select delegates to represent them at a district convention which in turn selects delegates for a state convention. these days there is also often a straw poll at caucuses in many states but it is delegate selection that leads to representation of presidential candidates at state and then the national level

[meegbear]

3. OK

Now can these delegates represent someone like CMB or Clark or are they required to represent only people who are officially in the race in Iowa?

[goodhue]

6. good question

read this
http://www.caucus2004.org/filemgmt_data/files/2004.Delegate.Selection.pdf

on March 13, 2004 there will be county conventions in Iowa. delegates who find themselves collectively with less than 15% for there candidate will be afforded an opportunity to realign.

Since CMB "dropped out" it may be difficult for her supporters to keep her viable Monday much less March 13. But as far as I know Clark supporters can and will be caucusing for him in Iowa. Remember his decision to "skip" Iowa is more about PR and managing expectations than anything else.

Despite their actions I believe CMB and Clark are "officially" in.
I'll try to confirm this but perhaps someone can beat me to it.

[meegbear]

7. Thanks

I appreciate the info.

[IADEMO2004]

10. Some caucuses elect uncommitted delegates

uncommitted won the 76 caucus over Jimmy Carter

[indigo32]

2. A caucus is a full on meeting

Beyond that I imagine each state sorta does things their own way. In MN we will be starting with a binding straw poll for the Presidential Primary...
BUT we will also be discussing and voting on amendments to propose to the state platform, selecting Precinct party leaders and selecting who will go on to the district caucus.


edited for spelling and grammer.

[windansea]

4. thread on Iowa caucus & article

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=117771

[meegbear]

5. Thanks

I didn't see that posting, but the posts are pretty heavy here.

[IowaBiker]

8. Here you go.

Iowa Caucuses are over 100 years old.

I believe it is a legacy of the Prairie Populist movement -- that and maybe 100 years ago there just wasn't that much to do out on the prairie this time of year.

I look at them as social events where folks of similar political stripe get together, discuss issues and decide on the candidates. Kinda like the internet, but only more civil. After all you're meeting with your neighbors.

And because they are your neighbors you can gossip about the fellow with the plaster stable hand and "I support Bush (in big letters) and our troops (little letters)" in his yard. And speaking of yard, why doesn't he mow it more often?

Think of it as voting meets freedom of assembly and freedom of speech, only with Roberts Rules of Order.

Instead of back-room deals in smoke-filled rooms. It's front-room Democracy with cookies and coffee -- a Pampered Chef party where in the end the intent is to bake Gee-Dubya.

The wife and I will be going with our next door neighbors. Afterwards the four of us will go for pizza and beers, then maybe stop by and talk to that fellow with the lousy lawn maintenance schedule.

Here's a link: http://www.gazetteonline.com/iowacaucus/basics/democraticcaucus.aspx

--Brian

[janx]

11. Welcome to DU! And thanks for that very personal and colorful

description of the Iowa caucuses! :hi:

[newyawker99]

12. Hi IowaBiker!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[in_cog_ni_to]

9. You might like to watch C-SPAN on Monday.

They will be showing the caucuses in action...live! I have never seen them work and am interested in seeing the process. ALL day Monday, I believe, C-SPAN will be showing them. Tune in...should be fun!

[MGKrebs]

13. Here's another good site:

http://www.thegreenpapers.com/