According to the website of Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, a caucus is a meeting organized by Minnesota’s political parties where citizens can engage each other in a conversation about which candidates to support in the 2010 election and what public policy positions should be adopted as part of the party’s platform. Cook County Republican Party Chair Mark Delamater explained it more simply. “Grass-roots government starts here,” Delamater said.
Across the state, most political parties will hold their caucuses on the same date and time—February 2 at 7:00 p.m. Two parties will be gathering in Cook County, the Democratic-Farm- Labor (DFL) and Republican parties. Both will hold precinct caucuses and county conventions on the same night. At the county convention, delegates to the District 8 and then state conventions are selected. Delegates influence which candidates and policy positions their party ultimately endorses.
“Even though this is an ‘off’ year, the caucus and convention is important,” said DFL Chair Tim Kennedy. “We will be selecting the delegates who will represent Cook County at the state convention. With over ten candidates for governor, the convention will be really interesting.”
Delamater agreed, adding that the race for the state auditor seat is “heating up.” DFL incumbent Rebecca Otto is now being challenged by three Republican candidates: Randy Gilbert (R), Long Lake mayor and businessman; Jeff Wiita (R), accountant; and now, Pat Anderson, ex-state auditor. Anderson had entered the 2010 political season as a gubernatorial candidate, but on January 12, she announced that she would instead run for state auditor.
Caucus attendees will also be able to learn about candidates in the U.S. Senate District 8 race. Two Republican candidates have announced that they will be challenging Congressman James Oberstar (DFL). Attempting to unseat the senior representative is Mike Cummins, Brook Park, businessman and Christian retreat owner, and Justin Eichorn, Grand Rapids, used car dealer and Tea Party activist.
The introduction and voting on resolutions is another example of the grass-roots action that takes part at the precinct caucuses and county conventions. Anyone can bring forward a resolution to potentially shape the party’s platform. To vote, offer resolutions or become a delegate at a precinct caucus, attendees must be eligible to vote in the 2010 general election, live in the precinct, and be in general agreement with the principles of the political party.
Precinct officers are also elected at the caucus. Officers are responsible for organizing political activities within the precinct.
There are several other political parties officially recognized by the state of Minnesota—Constitution, Independence, Libertarian, and Green, none of which are holding caucuses in Cook County. See the information below for caucuses being held by those organizations.
Minnesota’s state primary is September 14, 2010. The general election is November 2, 2010.
Get involved!
Political caucuses on February 2
Democratic-Farm-Labor (DFL)
7:00 p.m.
Arrowhead Center for the Arts
Grand Marais
DFL.org ·
(218) 387-1314
Republican
7:00 p.m.
Cook County Community Center
Grand Marais
MNGOP.org ·
(217) 663-7149
Constitution
8:30 a.m.
Blackwoods Bar & Grill
Two Harbors MN
CPMN.org ·
(218) 525-5008
Green
6:30 p.m.
Two Harbors Library
320 Waterfront Drive
Two Harbors MN
MNGreens.org ·
(651) 288-2820
Independence
9:00 p.m.
On-line caucus only
Independenceminnesota.org
(651) 487-9700
Libertarian
No caucuses to be held in 2010
State convention Apr. 24
LPMN.org ·
(763) 561-8038
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