Super Tuesday comes to Durango

Local Dems, Republicans hold caucus events March 1

by Missy Votel

March comes in like a lion next Tuesday, as at least one of Colorado’s main political parties takes the first step in the battle for the White House.

Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders will be facing off, at least figuratively, across the country, state and La Plata County on “Super Tuesday,” so called for the large number of states holding primaries and caucuses that day. Colorado is among a handful of states that prescribes to the latter form of narrowing the field of candidates. The caucus process involves registered party members gathering at their neighborhood precinct locations for a “straw poll” – via a show of hands or standing – of who they prefer to be their presidential candidate.

La Plata County Dems Chairwoman Jean Walter admits that the traditional caucus process, which is dictated by the state Legislature and has fallen out of favor in other states over the years in favor of primaries, is “convoluted.” However, she notes it is important nonetheless.

“It’s the only way you will have a voice in selecting your candidate for president,” she said, as Colorado does not hold a presidential primary.

To make the situation even more convoluted, state Republicans will also be caucusing on Super Tuesday but will not be selecting candidates. Colorado’s GOP executive committee decided to cancel the poll portion as a reaction to a new national party rule that requires all the state’s delegates to support the candidate that wins the caucus.

While essentially forfeiting their role in the early stages, the move would give Colorado Republican delegates freedom to support any candidate at the national convention next July in Cleveland. “If we do a binding presidential preference poll, we would then pledge our delegates ... and the candidates we bind them to may not be in the race by the time we get to the convention,” State Republican Party Chairman Steve House explained to the Denver Post in August.

However, state Republicans will still gather at precinct locations March 1 to begin the process of selecting delegates, as will the Democrats. Those chosen will go on to their respective county conventions on March 12, potentially followed by district, state and national conventions.

For the Democrats, the number of delegates for each candidate will be proportionate to the number of party members supporting the candidate at the caucus. In all, 79 delegates from Colorado will attend the Democratic National Convention in July in Philadelphia. This number includes 13 “super delegates” – higher ups in the state’s party such as Gov. Hickenlooper or Sen. Michael Bennet – who will remain uncommitted up until then.

Walter said in past election years – such as 2012 when President Obama ran unopposed – the La Plata County Dems have had trouble filling all of their delegate seats at the state convention. “But I’m confident we’ll fill it this year,” she said of the 48 spots at the county level.

Tuesday’s caucus runs from 7 - 9 p.m., and will allow time for supporters of either candidate to speak. Party members may also vote on resolutions, such as a support of the Silverton Super Fund or reform of the state’s 1872 mining laws, in hopes they will become part of the national platform.

Regardless of whether they’re in the Clinton or Sanders camp, Walter praised local party members for getting the word out about the caucus process, and advised them to hold onto their straw hats. “We do expect a lively campaign,” she said.

For a list of Democrat caucus precinct locations, go to www.laplatadems.org/2016-party-caucus-information. For more on the La Plata County Republican caucus, go to www.laplatarepublicans.org.