Carol and Nevin Holmberg of Hovland review Republican candidate literature at the GOP caucus at the Cook County Community Center on Feb. 2.
The Cook County Community Center was a busy place before and during the Republican Party Caucus on Tuesday, February 2, 2010. Local GOP party leaders had to wait for Tai Chi classes to end to set up chairs for the 22 citizens who came out to participate in grass roots government. Curlers in Tuesday night league went about their business as Cook County Republican Party Chair Mark Delamater called the caucus to order at 7:00 p.m.
After an invocation, the first order of business was the appointment of a secretary for the caucus. Rae Piepho of Lutsen was nominated and agreed to serve as secretary. The next matter was electing a chair for the caucus. Party Chair Delamater was quickly nominated and voted in to oversee the event.
Delamater said that although the party had considered holding both its precinct caucuses and the Cook County convention on the same evening, plans had changed. The Cook County Convention is now set to be held at the Grand Marais Senior Center at 7:00 p.m. on February 16.
Delamater explained the process leading toward the November election, including instructions for the evening. He asked citizens to form smaller groups based on their precinct numbers. People gathered around a map to see where they should go or joined their neighbors. Several precincts were unfortunately not represented. There was no one at the caucus from the Colvill, Grand Marais West, Grand Portage, or Tofte precincts.
Citizens were instructed to introduce any resolutions for additions or changes to the Republican Party platform in their precinct groups. Delamater asked that everyone review the party platform and reminded them, “If it’s already in the platform, you don’t need to make a resolution.”
Although attendance was low, there was spirited discussion in the precinct groups. Items such as the need for congressional term limits and the desire to see legislators included in any national health care plan adopted were considered and forwarded as resolutions or debated until time was up.
Nelda Westerlind of Grand Marais told her precinct group that she had not been to a caucus for a number of years. She said she came again to learn more about the Minnesota Republican Party platform. “Everyone says there is no difference between the political parties,” she said. “But look at this platform— there are some really big differences.” Westerlind said the state party platform was great but expressed dismay that by the time a platform goes through the regional, state, and federal process, it is so watered down that it doesn’t represent the people at the grass roots level any longer.
The precinct groups also appointed delegates and alternates for the county convention later this month. Delamater said at the county convention, delegates to the 8th District Convention, the State Central Committee and the State Convention would be elected. Delamater said guests are welcome to observe at the county convention, but may not vote on resolutions.
After precinct discussion, citizens reconvened to hear from some of the candidates in the 2010 election—in the form of letters sent to the caucus. Delamater read a letter from Chip Cravaack, a candidate for the US House of Representatives MN 8th Congressional District. Rae Piepho read a letter from the other Republican candidate seeking endorsement for the House seat, Darrel Trulson. The men injected a bit of humor in the serious evening—Cravaack declaring himself to be the tall guy who would like to send 17-term Congressman James Oberstar “into the retirement he so richly deserves.” Trulson’s letter declared the same desire and added that he is the shortest guy running against Oberstar.
Two other Republican candidates have announced that they will be challenging Congressman Oberstar—Mike Cummins, Brook Park and Justin Eichorn of Grand Rapids, but they did not send a letter or information to the Cook County caucus.
Letters were read from candidates for the State Auditor’s office,Jeff Wiita, Randy Gilbert, and Pat Anderson. Following that Brian Larsen read a letter from State Representative Dan Severson who is running for MN Secretary of State.
Finally letters were read from gubernatorial candidates seeking endorsement. Jay Mesenbring of Hovland read a letter from Tom Emmer. Delamater read a letter from Marty Seifert. Kay Levitan read a letter from David Hahn.
A straw poll was then taken to ascertain which Republican candidate for governor Cook County wished to endorse. Marty Seifert received the most votes, nine; David Hahn was second with seven; Tom Emmer received four votes and there were two write-in votes for former US Senator Norm Coleman.
The straw poll wrapped up the evening’s activities and Delamater thanked everyone for coming. Before closing however, he announced that he would not be running for re-election for chair. He encouraged anyone interested to contact him. “If you know someone who is not here tonight but is interested, you can nominate them,” said Delamater.
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