Caucus chaos raises questions about system, voter turnout

North Florida precinct on primary day, Jan. 31, 2012. (Photo, The US Report)States that hold caucuses instead of primaries depend on larger numbers of reliable volunteers because each political party handles the process rather including state elections officials. State parties also set up their own systems for determining which candidate voters prefer. The caucus is a true grassroots method in the nominating process, but the chaos after Iowa and Nevada raises questions.

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Romney counts on Nevada, but Newt increased turnout in Florida

Real Clear Politics graph showed Obama trounced Sen. John McCain in Nevada in 2008. (Screen snip from chart)
Nevadans head to their precincts on Saturday for their ‘First in the West’ presidential caucus.

The process Nevadans apply is a bit different and more complicated than a primary, as the state GOP explains:

“The caucus will begin by electing a caucus chair and secretary. These two people will be in charge of running the precinct caucus. Generally the local county volunteers that called the meeting to order are elected by voice vote. After that, there will be an election of delegates and alternate delegates from your precinct caucus to the County Convention in March. Delegates have the right to vote at the County Convention. And each delegate has an alternate delegate who will vote in their place in case they are unable to attend the County Convention.”

That’s a glimpse at a complex process for the caucus, but the Feb. 5 preference is the only voice Nevada Republicans will get in determining who wins their state for the right to challenge President Barack Obama in the General Election in November.

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Primary Day in Florida—outcome unknown, even on winner-take-all

In Northeast Florida, this January day looks more like spring. It's a great day to vote in the Republican Primary. (Photo, The US Report)I wish I had a dollar for every person who’s asked me about the outcome of the Republican Primary in Florida on January 31. I’m heading to vote as soon as I file this column. I could’ve voted via absentee ballot but I like to go to the precinct and see what’s happening.

Right now, despite media spin, I'd say the outcome is unknown, and not just the outcome of the Primary.

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WSJ interview: My support for Newt

The Wall Street Journal interviewed me on Friday for a video segment on women and support for former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.

Anytime you're interviewed, you know only a small amount of content will probably be used.

The story's slant is why some women don't support him. As is often the case, I take a different path.

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