Young Democrats to host local “caucus’’ Jan. 3
The Young Democrats of Greater St. Louis is inviting fellow party activists to convene at The Royale Food and Spirits next Thursday “for an old-fashioned caucus to pick a presidential candidate for the Democratic Party.”
The event is to begin at 8 pm at The Royale, 3132 South Kingshighway. Besides polling the presidential preferences of the attendees, the caucus also “will be dedicated to watching the Iowa returns.”
The host is 9th Ward Democratic Committeeman Ron Auer. The polling of the votes “will be monitored by Kyle Dubbert, Republican Supervisor of the Saint Louis City Election Board.”
” While the caucus is non-binding, it will reflect the much anticipated Iowa Caucus” and offer a look back at Missouri’s old caucus days. (Pre-2000, exempting 1988 when the state held its first presidential primary).
“This event will give St. Louis voters a chance to participate in a caucus and to give a glimpse into how the voters in Missouri are feeling about the presidential Election.” says St. Louis City Democratic party Chairman Brian Wahby. “In a couple of weeks we might be able to say as goes the Royale so goes Missouri!”
The release adds, “Representatives of candidates running for President are encouraged to participate and to persuade caucus goers to support their candidate.”
While the caucus is non-binding? How about, While the caucus means absolutely nothing? Personally, I thought the caucuses were great, and would support Missouri returning to a caucus system. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely to happen: While caucuses empower individual voters and encourage them to become actively involved in presidential politics, primaries empower money and media, and discourage individual voters by hopelessly diluting their influence. When it comes to a clash between the interests of money and media, and the interests of individual voters, I’ll bet on money and media every time.