Caucus day

One of the penalties for not getting involved in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors. —Plato

On this Iowa Caucus Day, it's appropriate to note that this is a critical year for Minnesota conservatives to show up at their precinct caucuses on February 5th, and not just because it's a presidential election year. I think of the precinct caucus as the topsoil of a political party's grassroots. If a party's BPOU (Basic Political Operating Unit) has a good turnout at its precinct caucuses, it has a better chance of robust volunteer campaign support at the phone banks, lit drops, and parades from now until Election Day.

In the other direction, it is the best opportunity of the political season for party members to influence their party platform and promote the candidates of their choice. Anyone who will be of voting age on Election Day and largely agrees with the party's principles can attend. This means you! The caucus is also your entry point into the BPOU, county, Congressional District, state, and national party conventions, and to voting at these levels. This is the process that the parties use to endorse candidates and shape their platforms.

If you are unhappy about the direction of the Republican Party of Minnesota, if there's a crucial legislative race in your district this year, if you want to stand in the way of a Democrat White House this November, log off and show up!

The world belongs to those who show up to the meetings. —Unknown

See the True North caucus primer for more how-to tips on finding and attending your caucus, what to expect, and how to make a difference.

Plan now to attend your precinct caucus on Tuesday, February 5, 2008. Click here to find your caucus location.