Iowa Caucuses January 23

Caucus Night DAY is Jan. 23

In a just-released joint statement, Iowa Democrats and Republicans have announced a 2010 caucus date of January 23 at 1 p.m.--the first ever Saturday caucuses.

Non-Iowans, indeed most Iowans, too, don't know that we do the caucus thing in non-presidential years. Usually it's only the party diehards who show up.

What does this mean?

Keeps the parties co-scheduled which, if that tradition ever dies, could be a problem. One IOWAN VOTES TWICE headline could screw the pooch, but if the caucuses are the same time that's impossible.

Keeps our foot planted on an early date as the Democratic calendar commission meets.

Is a change from the Dems previously announced Monday Jan. 25.

Avoids the MLK holiday date that upset some Democratic activists in 2004 and 2006.

Means folks may have to skip one of the NFL conference championship games, unless a West Coast team gets home field.

Means more to Republicans than Dems, since six candidates will be jockeying for delegates in the possible convention scenario.