Former Republican Organizes Caucus in Hamilton County
Jan 23, 10:30 PM CST
As we mentioned last week, many Independents and Republicans are switching parties to participate in our Nebraska Democratic Presidential Caucuses on Feb. 9th. And some, like Steve Leach in Hamilton County (a converted lifelong Republican) are so energized and excited to be with us…they are helping us on the ground.
County to Host Caucus
by Jonna M. Huseman
Aurora News Register
For Auroran Democrat Steve Leach, Nebraska’s upcoming caucus is more than just a political event. It will be a learning experience unlike any other.
Leach, who recently switched political parties, has voluntarily stepped forward as the Democratic chair for the county and will be organizing Hamilton County’s caucus come Feb. 9.
He said the caucus process is a bit intimidating and at times confusing, Leach had some of his fears and questions quelled at a training session Sunday in Central City.
Heading the training session was David Wolf, Third District field organizer for the Nebraska Democratic Party, who instructed attendees from Hamilton, Merrick and Nance counties on caucus procedures, rules and regulations.
Under caucus rules, participants must be 18 by Nov. 4 and registered as Democrat.
“We want to stress that this is just a meeting,” Wolf said of the caucus.
In fact, according to Wolf, Nebraska’s upcoming caucus has more to do with community than politics, and is a way to bring people with similar beliefs together for one common goal.
During the two-hour meeting, Wolf explained the caucus process and told potential caucusgoers what to expect.
“You go into a part of the room and you stand under a sign that says Hillary or Obama. And you can be uncommitted,” Wolf said.
Each group supporting a candidate must be considered viable by reaching 15 percent of the total population of caucus participants. If that viability mark is not met, a realignment will take place, allowing caucus participants to re-think their decision.
The Hamilton County caucus will be Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Alice Farr Library. Voter registration will be available at the site.
Read the whole story by clicking here.
– by Eric Fought | Send this to a friend
