The Caucus Archives
by Sarah Schacht 2/9/2008
In August of 2004, I found myself on the floor of the Democratic National Convention in Boston. I'd grown up Republican, transitioned to an Independent, and then I was a Democrat who'd worked for Howard Dean in four states and fought it out in the caucus process to become a Dean At–Large delegate to the national convention. I caucused for the first time in 2004. I used my Iowa caucus experience to rally my neighbors and gain a couple Dean delegates. My entire family came and caucused for Dean, including my 17–year–old brother, who'd be old enough to vote in November. After watching the death of the campaign who'd won my heart, I felt like something from the campaign had to go on. I wanted to be a delegate to the national convention but when I got there, I only felt like an expensive sign holder. Everything was so tightly scripted; when a speaker finished a quip, new signs like "Hope is On the Way!" were quickly passed to us so we could hold them up at the next quip. There were people I represented who had problems that "hope" couldn't fix. I came from a Navy town with extended deployments, a so–so public education system, and citizens who couldn't afford healthcare. I had come to make a difference, I had come to be a voice, but I'd only been invited to a party. I strolled through the razor–wire clad "free speech zone" and talked to people who disagreed with me. I went to events that I wasn't "VIP" enough to get in, and I felt empty when I finally voted for John Kerry. I felt best at the convention when dancing on a chair in a sea of old people — just feet from the Black Eyed Peas on stage. MTV, CNN, Fox News, and NBC caught my "youthful exuberance" but they missed that the dance was more about shaking off frustration than celebration.I now manage Knowledge As Power, an online service which helps all Washingtonians track legislation and participate effectively in the legislative process. Because of the nature of the organization (we don't advocate anything besides good citizenship), I vote but I don't do partisan politics.I find myself a little jealous of everyone who'll go to their conventions and caucuses this year. The way the primaries are going delegates will once again have the power and responsibilities they were always supposed to have. Without a clear cut candidate, delegates can press for platform changes, a specific choice of vice presidential candidate and can hold nominees to promises. Sure, they can go to the National Convention and have a good time, but they can go and make a difference, too. Making a difference is sort of my thing. I can only hope 2008's delegates will make it their thing too.
by Eric (precinct 46–2262) 2/9/2008
I started volunteering as a precinct captain about a month ago for the Obama campaign in NE Seattle. This was my first caucus, and I was unsure what kind of support there would be in Wedgwood / Ravenna (although if it was any indication, I had several conservative Republicans in my precinct enthusiastically come out to support Barack, crossing party lines for the first time in their lives). My precinct had 18 people turn up in 2004. In 2008, there were 81 of us. This same trend happened across precincts in our caucus, with 4–5 times the number of people showing up compared to previous years. The demographic in Wedgwood is older and whiter than most of Seattle, but the support for Obama was truly amazing. Between our precinct and the neighboring precinct, he received 75% of the vote, and 7/9 delegates. When speaking to the Hillary supporters, I stressed that Obama was the unifier — Independents, Republicans, 18–year–olds, and minorities will come out to support him in November, and 6/7 of the polls in recent weeks have him beating McCain. Hillary's supporters tried to convince undecided voters with a long, angry rant about breaking the glass ceiling. The result: 8/9 undecideds went to Obama. I couldn't be a delegate because I'll be out of town. I thought it was fitting that the youngest caucus goer, a 17–year–old I had registered earlier, got elected.
by Kelley Hofmann (precinct 36–2170) 2/9/2008
I had never before participated in a caucus, but like many Americans, I felt the need to be really responsible with my citizenship this year and make my stand for Hillary. The large meeting room at Whittier Elementary was cram packed by the time we all began at 1:30. In my precinct alone we must have had at least 40 people and there were 8 other precincts present! I had considered bringing my 4-year old son with me to see the process (we have been talking about the elections), but was glad I didn’t because it would have been WAY too crazy for him to handle. It was really an amazing experience to stand around with my neighbors and respectfully exchange ideas on this topic that the whole country seems to feel so galvanized about. We all said the pledge of allegiance together led by a girl about 8 years old. I felt necessary to the process and connected back hundreds of years to our nation’s founding. I texted back and forth with friends all over the city and state who were attending their caucuses and making their stand and we all had this incredible feeling of empowerment and purpose. Both candidates are very worthy and we all said how difficult it was for us to make the decision. I ended up standing for election as a delegate for Hillary and will serve as the alternate for my precinct if called to do so. I feel taller than my 6 feet and more connected to my community than I thought was possible.
by Andrea Borning (precinct 43–1266) 2/9/2008
I led a caucus at John Marshall Alternative School. We had 15 precincts gathering there and 4 precincts in the room that I was in. I was designated to quiet the crowd down and give an initial speech at 1:30. People were just pouring into the room. There must have been 300 to 400 people in this space with a very high ceiling. The acoustics were terrible. In addition there were no microphones so I was getting a bit worried. Recently I started taking singing lessons and I sing and play in a band so that's why I was the designated speaker. When 1:30 rolled around I yelled "quiet." This HUGE sound came out of my mouth. I was astonished. People were astounded and suddenly quieted down. I guess it was those singing lessons.We had a great time in our caucus of 75 people. Many people spoke for either Obama or Clinton and we all got to know our neighbors better!
by Daniel Joy (precinct 48–0942) 2/9/2008
There were 7 people that made up our precinct caucus. We were in a room of about 200 people from many precincts. It was loud, confusing, disorganized, and was running late. As a moderate Republican, I wanted to participate to confront the ultra–conservatives and help focus our party plank on traditional Republican values. In the context of this caucus, we were not given the opportunity to express new ideas. We were given a set of questions to vote on, many were worded poorly and with bias. We were told new issues may be brought up in the county caucus. I was voted in as a delegate and will be at the county caucus to have my voice heard.
by Michael Clinard (precinct 32–1209) 2/9/2008
I approached my elementary lunch table in the gym with the same kind of excitement for taking part, first–hand in the electoral process. I sat down at the 32–1209's lunch table and people were talking. In the midst of all the lunch room table talk, I let it slip that I'd once participated in the Iowa Caucus.See, "participate" is a loaded word for me. Standing in the corner of a room in Iowa, with an arm raised is much different than reading guidelines to a group of Washingtonians looking at you as a capable figurehead ensuring their voice/vote will be heard/counted. Some at the table felt that given my Iowa experience, I'd be a natural choice as the precinct's chair. After taking the reigns and digesting the many number of forms and instructions contained within our precinct's delegate envelope, I knew the next two or so hours were going to be quite interesting. Go to Mike's blog for the entire entry
by Jill Jackson (precinct 37–1617) 2/9/2008
While looking in the newspaper for my caucus site, I saw a headline about in your face politics at the caucus meetings. It is a hard enough decision for many to attend a caucus, without making it out to be intimidating environment by definition. I think that type of headline does a disservice to the political process.The auditorium at Orca School was at capacity; classrooms and the library were opened to accommodate the crowds. Columbia City is a very diverse neighborhood: Anglos, blacks, Asians, Muslims, lesbians, gays, men, women, young, middle-age, old, and kids. People were not in your face, it was not contentious. In my precinct Obama got all the delegates with roughly 60 Obama supporters, 5 Clinton supporters, and 4 undecided. There was no rancor among the Clinton and undecided about the lopsided support for Obama. I suspect that each of us felt we will support him as the Democratic Candidate for President even if at this point our preference lies elsewhere.
Caucuses are odd events; new to many and chaotic. You have to sign-in, stand around and wait, talk and listen to others about the candidates, and then select peers to be delegates. I don't think the caucus process is truly democratic because it privileges those with time to hang around for 2 plus hours, comfortable in large groups, who are willing to openly say I am voting for… The primary process is more inclusive. I wish that the Democratic Party in WA would include the primary into their calculation of the delegate apportionment.
by Katherine Parker Bryden 1/17/2008
Katherine was accompanied to the Iowa caucus by her 5 month old son Max, who observed the proceedings in comfort strapped to his mom in a baby carrier.
The night of the caucus, our precinct had 356 people cram into an overcrowded elementary school PE room, assorted babies, children, and teenagers in tow. After the crowd was called to order and gathering spaces designated, everyone went off to their chosen candidate's spot. I went to the Kucinich room: down the hall, down two flights of stairs, and off to the right. All told, a dozen people caucused for Kucinich. Four went out on a scouting mission, hoping to find another 41 people to come join us and make Kucinich viable. I stayed put, listened to law students debate the merits of other candidates, and checked out the second–grade classroom's pint–sized furniture. One scout returned; the others defected. We realized Kucinich would not be viable, so we filed out of the classroom and spread to other candidates. At the initial reckoning, Obama had a headcount of 192 and no other candidates were viable. After much shuffling and lobbying by the supporters of almost–viable candidates, Obama ended up with four delegates, Clinton and Edwards each with one.
by Karen Waddell, Part One & Two 1/3/2008, 1/9/2008
Last presidential cycle I went to my neighborhood Democratic caucus meeting. My favorite candidate at the time was John Edwards. We first took a general vote to see where everyone in my group stood. It was great because people had a chance to say who they preferred and why. I learned some things about the other candidates, but still preferred Edwards. Then we did the final vote, some people in our group were savvier to the caucus process. It was time to choose people to go to the next level. I was asked if I was elected to the next level, would I vote the second vote for Kerry who presumably would have the most votes. I agreed that if John Edwards was not a viable candidate, I would vote for Kerry on the second go around. With that assurance I was elected to go to the next round. The second level was a district caucus. This was further away and I had to plan transportation. There was great parking, but nothing to eat or drink. Bring water and crackers.
The second caucus was somewhat like a pep rally or campaign stump in that party officials and candidates spoke for a bit including Jim McDermott. I was surprised that the people there were very enthusiastic crowd. This part was quite fun. Even though I am not fond of all the elected democratic officials, seeing them and hearing them in person was enlightening. Afterward, we began the voting process and as suspected Edwards did not have enough votes, and Kerry was voted in. I was not asked to go to the next (state) level and actually was quite tired from the day. I like being part of the process and am planning to attend this year February 8th… I wonder…could John win this time?
by Larry Mayo 12/26/07
I've been discouraged in the past from voting because of my blindness. It bothers me that [the poll workers] know who I'm voting for, it's a private matter for me. The last time I voted was seven years ago in Alaska. A friend in my building took me to the polls and someone at the polling place helped me with the ballot. I don't know if I'll participate in the primaries in February. I feel strongly about the Republican party, but I don't know who I'll vote for.
If you or a neighbor need assistance at the polls or with voter registration, contact your county auditor. King County residents can call 206–296–8683 or visit the county election page.
by Jenna Montgomery 12/17/07
Three years ago, I lined up with my neighbors in the blistering Iowa cold. While they warmed up their political chops, I braced myself for the coercion that would ensue inside. My balloted past didn't prepare me for this intimate exchange. You can't hide in a booth; you physically stand for your choice in a caucus. I stood for Kucinich in my corner of the gymnasium, even as folks from other corners started talking to me about viability and other things my stubborn ears couldn't hear. My boots felt cemented to the floor. Caucusing may seem like a complex activity at first glance, but it's quite simple: You stand and count, and count again. You just need a comfortable pair of shoes and a candidate.
