[Mpls] Caucus

[freealonzo at mn.rr.com]

Chris Johnson wrote:
 
As for Dean Carlson's contention that precinct caucuses are lightly attended and used by old hacks to further their agenda, I also disagree.  As was pointed out, under the previous system, there would be no inclusion of new people as there would not even be caucuses.  I also just returned from my caucus -- the first I've ever attended.  I did not feel excluded because I was a newcomer.  I had no problem becoming a delegate.  And the turn out seemed pretty good to me -- maybe 400 to 500 people.

Dean Here:

A point of clarification.  I wasn't suggesting we go back to the old way. I just think a Ward Convention system would have encouraged even MORE people to participate and wouldn't be as easily dominated by party insiders.  Sure you had no problem becoming a delegate in your precinct, probably anyone who wanted to become a delegate was selected.  That's because there are more delegae openings than persons wanting to fill them.  Also who was your precinct captain?  Did you find it odd that there was a precinct captain even before the precinct caucus began?  How do you think that position was filled?

Also remember the City DFL Central Committee (or whatever they are called) opposed the switch from presidential year caucuses to city election year caucuses. 

Dean E. Carlson
10th Ward