Monday, February 4, 2008

Super Tuesday


My state is one of the states that participates in Super Tuesday. But we don't have a primary tomorrow. Instead, we have precinct caucuses, as do several other states.

Strange as it may seem, I have never been to a caucus before. But as far as I can tell, there are no church meetings scheduled for tomorrow night. For the first time ever, I might caucus. I know, it sounds radical. I have several other things I could do, including taxes and playing with the dog. I could attend several of the movies we haven't seen yet, or vacuum the living room or finish doing the laundry. I could finish reading God's Echo or The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane on this rare meeting-less night. But, I'm going to caucus. I think it's important. Also, I'm curious.

What about you? Do you have super Tuesday plans? If so, are you a first-timer or a regular?
Update: I went to our precinct caucuses tonight. As perhaps all of you know, there were record turn-outs, and long lines all over my state. Many people voted and left; others stayed for the caucus process, which involved making resolutions and voting for delegates. I didn't stay for all of the caucus, since I have three Ash Wednesday services weighing heavily on my mind.

Three out of four resolutions offered in my precinct had to do with education. I always knew that this was a passion in my community, but it was good to be a part of that conversation on another level. I saw a few members of my church; I walked in with one woman, and gave another woman a ride home because she couldn't find her car! Also I heard a plea for delegates for a state convention on March 8th. I briefly flirted with the idea of going, but then realized that I have a first communion class on that day.


We still don't have final election results for our state, but it's exciting to see so many people turn out, on all sides of the aisle, and feel that they really have a voice. There has been a lot of cynicism lately, and I would be happy to see that change.


The woman in charge of our caucus meeting said something funny: she said that some people like smaller turn-outs because they are easier to control. But then she smiled and said, "But we've never been that big on control."

17 comments:

Yolanda said...

We don't have them in Oregon and our primary isn't till May but I will be watching the results.

Barbara B. said...

Washington's stuff is after Super Tuesday too. We both caucus AND have a primary -- a bit confusing if you ask me!

Paul said...

I have lived in California all my life until August 2006 when I moved to New Mexico. I registered to vote the first week I was here. At it turns out, NM Dems have caucuses today, so I will go to my very first. It seems we can compare notes later. Happy voting!

LoieJ said...

I didn't even see anything in the local paper about a caucus. I'm not sure I could find a Republican caucus even if I leaned that way. In this area, a moderate is considered on the Right.

Di said...

It's KILLING ME to wait for our primaries in April. Go caucus and come back and tell us all about it. Seriously. I'll give you a lemon cakelette as a prize. GO GO GO!!!

Diane M. Roth said...

I believe that we have both a caucus and primaries -- but our primaries are not until September, I think.

Diane M. Roth said...

P.S., that's interesting...I didn't know that. hmmmm.....

Elaine (aka...Purple) said...

We wait for the primary, where I am at, but I have been watching with great interest. It isn't the popular vote that counts, but the electoral votes that count.

Rev SS said...

I'm glad WA stuff isn't today, 'cause, after 9 long days straight, I'm taking today off (unless I have pastoral call for a beloved saint who left this life for more life last night)

Looking forward to reading all about your experience

Douglas said...

I attended the caucus in 2000, will attend tonight. Alas, it's a murky, odd election for conservative Republicans such as myself. Prayers for wisdom appreciated.

Diane M. Roth said...

Doug, will be praying for discernment for you.

Unknown said...

We caucus, and the Democratic version is not until Sunday. So my plans are to watch the rest of the country with great interest!

Hot Cup Lutheran said...

well diane teh big boonieville state has caucuses this sat. i was thinking of going too... never been. and not sure "what" to do when i get there... but i figure hey why not???

gartenfische said...

I've never caucused. We are one of the states with a caucus today, but I hadn't planned to go. I vote, but I don't caucus.

Good for you for going.

Anonymous said...

Good for you!

cb said...

ooooh-- Edward Tulane is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I'm an elem school librarian and my kids love that book! It has a great ending!

Jennifer said...

I'm from Illinois :)
My son and I read Edward Tulane aloud together last year, when he was twelve.
I don't think he'd agree to such juvenile behavior now, but he said it was ok to say that we both loved the book.