Tuesday, July 28, 2009

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.
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