Maine Democrats Caucus on February 10

 

Maine Democrats’ caucus is happening on Sunday February 10, 2008, and the results of Super Tuesday show that Maine’s delegates will make a real difference.  Kids are welcome. Baked goods and steaming hot coffee are included.  Not unlike town meetings, caucuses are direct, grassroots politics, and a chance to see many friends and neighbors.

 

Richmond’s Democratic Caucus will be led by Charlie Ipcar.  It begins at 4:30 pm, and will be held at Richmond Town Hall (please note the change from recent years).

 

As in the past, Bowdoin and Bowdoinham will caucus jointly this year at Bowdoinham Town Hall, starting at 4:00.  Bowdoin´s caucus will be convened by Karen Marston, and Bowdoinham´s by Deb Hutton.

 

Doors open for both caucuses 30 minutes in advance, and this year it’s a good idea to come early.  Unprecedented turnout is expected.

 

Caucus locations for other towns are available at www.lincolncountydemocrats.com, www.sagadahocdemocrats.org, and www.cumberlandcountydemocrats.org.

 

Some people may confuse a primary election with a caucus. The caucus is when the local registered Democrats (or anyone who wishes to be a registered Democrat) meet all around the state on the date chosen by the Maine Democratic Party.  The caucus has several purposes:

 

1. We choose our Democratic presidential candidate.

2. We select our delegates to the state convention, to be held on May 30 and June 1, 2008 in Augusta.

3. We organize our town Democratic committee.

4. We choose people to represent us on the Sagadahoc County Democratic Committee.

 

The local caucus is also a time when candidates for the congressional races can seek nominating petition signatures, and state candidates can collect the $5 checks needed to run as a Clean Election candidate for the Maine House of Representatives or Senate.  Clean Elections is a great system, and you can help support it by bringing your checkbook to caucus.

 

The advantage of registering in a major party in Maine is that you can help to set the party’s direction and choose its candidates.  To participate in the February 10 caucus, voters currently registered as Greens or Republicans must change their registration by January 26, 2008. New voters and those not registered in a political party may become Democrats at the caucus.

 

“Please don't be nervous if you have not caucused before,” says Hutton, “We'll explain it to you.”  There will be brief talks given by local, state and federal candidates or their representatives, and lots of discussion about the party platform.

 

Out of town that weekend but eager to participate?   Not a problem. You can participate by mail with our party’s version of an absentee ballot. Applications will be available from the Maine Democratic Party by calling 207-622-6233 or go to MaineDems.org and download an application.

 

Ipcar, Hutton, Marston and other caucus conveners are working hard to ensure a good turnout and successful caucus in this exciting, Presidential and U.S. Senate election year.  There is a lot to look forward to at caucus, and regardless of our party affiliation, we are fortunate to be able to participate in the democratic process safely and effectively. We hope to see you there!