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Nebraska Democrats Count Down to Caucus

Jan 01, 07:30 PM CST

Nebraska Democrats Count Down To Caucus
Party Prepares For Caucuses In February

KETV.com

OMAHA, Neb.—While most of the political attention is focused on Iowa, Nebraska Democrats are getting ready to hold their own caucuses in February.

The Iowa caucuses are the first test for the presidential candidates, and they will be held on Thursday.

Nebraska Democrats are hoping the race won’t be decided before their Feb. 9 caucuses.

Area Democrats said they hope that Nebraska could have a say in the national race along with other states holding early caucuses. State Democratic Party Chairman Steve Achelpohl said it would be a lot of fun to have the party’s top presidential candidates visit Nebraska to campaign.

“For years, Nebraska’s May primary has had no role in determining a nominee for the Democratic Party,” the party’s Web site says. “As a matter of fact, one would need to look as far back as the 1960s to find a presidential cycle in which our state had a voice.”

The state party is recruiting volunteers in all 93 Nebraska counties to help run the caucuses.

Primaries will still be held in May for Democratic and Republican races. The caucus in February will determine which candidate gets Nebraska’s support at the Democratic National Convention. Democrats will divvy up 31 delegates.

“If we were to wait ‘til May … the decision for who’s going to be the nominee would be over,” said Douglas County Democrats Executive Director Kris Pierce. “Candidates are contacting Nebraska and Douglas County and starting to be involved, because they’re starting to see how important our 31 are going to be.”

In September, Douglas County Democrats practiced rules and procedures for a statewide caucus. A caucus has never been held in Nebraska before.

Nebraska Republican Chairman Mark Quandal said his party is sticking with a primary out of tradition and a concern that fewer people would participate in a caucus than a primary.

– by Eric Fought | Send this to a friend

1. I think it is fair to mention that a lot of Young Democrats are making their way to Iowa to see first hand the expierence. Many Nebraskans have personal ties to Iowa and lots of us are going to the Iowa Caucus for the sheer excitement of the national process. I can’t wait to bring the excitement home with me from Iowa and I sure hope others share that same sentiment! Make sure to show up to our Caucus on Feb 9th!
   — Luke Peterson    Jan 02, 12:20 PM CST #
2. I’m helping with the caucus in Sarpy County, and I’d really like to go observe an Iowa precinct tomorrow. Where would one go in Council Bluffs? Any info would be much appreciated.
   — Mary Kelly    Jan 02, 07:40 PM CST #
3. I have been trying to signup to help in Logan county but keep getting error messages. Any help would be appreciated.
   — Gary Hyde    Jan 07, 11:03 PM CST #