Caucus Time is Upon Us
By Sam Garchik

Well, I'm back from Winter Break.  I hope you all had a great 2007, because 2008 promises to be just as exciting. First note - Check out John Edwards on the BFIA poll. He's now in 3rd place, 15pts behind Obama, who is now the clear leader. Just 3 more days to vote, people. According to Zogby (who I think is kind of like caucus crack), Huckabee leads Romney by 2, and McCain by 13. On the D side, Clinton leads Obama and Edwards by 4 and 4th place Richardson by 25. So, it's going to be a close one.

The forecast in IC calls for highs of 26, partly cloudy and windy. Not a bad winter's day at all, it seems. Stay tuned for more..

To start this week off, I post an email from Rod Sullivan, who is a Johnson County Supervisor and veteran caucus attendee. Although his advice comes to you from the People's Republic, it's good statewide. Be good, and be present....

Rod Says...

Here are ten caucus tips, regardless of your party or candidate preference:

1. Caucus locations are not necessarily polling places! Double-check your caucus site!

2. Caucuses begin at 6:30 PM, but the lines will be long at 6:30. Get there earlier, if possible.

3. Do not bring a bunch of extra items you will not need. Your site will be crowded, and it will be easy to lose things.

4. Sign the nomination forms for candidates for local office, and take some time to learn about candidates for other elective offices.

5. If you are a caucus veteran, volunteer to assist the Temporary Chair at your location. She/he may need help with registration and any number of additional tasks. Try to be helpful.

6. Seating will be limited; most folks will need to stand. Try to identify folks who might need a chair, and help them get seated. Otherwise, get the chairs out of there.

7. If it is at all possible, walk to your caucus site. Parking will be a nightmare ­ guaranteed. If you live too far to walk, carpool. It will make the caucus process work better for everyone.

8. If you have kids between the ages of 10 and 16, bring them along. They can either observe the process or help out by watching younger children. If your child will be 18 by Election Day, she can fully participate in the Caucus.

9. If you can, stick around for the platform discussion. This hashing of ideas really is democracy at its best!

10. Finally, and most importantly, please be polite and understanding. We Iowans are given a tremendous privilege. Waiting in line, being crowded, being too hot or too cold, running late, etc. are the prices we pay to have lots of folks participate in our democracy. I assure you that everyone wants the caucuses to go as smoothly as possible, but problems do occur. Hang in there, and remember how lucky we are!