Record Turnout for Republican Caucus in Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa – Iowa Republicans turned out in record numbers for the Caucus Thursday. “More than ever, Iowans took seriously their role at the first-in-the-nation presidential test and attended their caucus to vote for the candidate of their choice,” remarked Chuck Laudner, executive director of the Republican Party of Iowa. Turnout is expected to reach 120,000 eligible voters, a record.
As the Caucus process reached its peak, presidential preference polls were held in each of more than 1700 voting precincts in the state. Mike Huckabee was declared winner of the Iowa Caucus with Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson in second and third place.
Republican Caucus Order of Finish
1. Mike Huckabee
2. Mitt Romney
3. Fred Thompson
4. John McCain
5. Ron Paul
6. Rudy Giuliani
7. Duncan Hunter
“These candidates came to Iowa and engaged in retail politics. They sought out the leaders in the Republican party at the grassroots level, visited every corner of the state, and shared their vision for America,” Laudner stated. “This is the kind of presidential campaign our nation deserves – not a television ad battle focused on the coasts. Voters learn more about the candidates by engaging them personally in cafes and community centers than could ever be judged by slick ads and speeches in arenas.”
The Caucus process gives rise to the grassroots volunteer who selects a candidate and then campaigns for them during the event. “In no other contest does the candidate rely so completely on volunteers to carry their message,” Laudner explained. “When an individual is so passionate, so dedicated to their candidate they are willing to stand in front of their peers at the Caucus to deliver a stump speech, you realize how inclusive and relevant this process is.”
In addition to the presidential preference poll, the Caucus serves to reinvigorate the Republican Party. Precinct representatives to the County Central Committee are selected as well as delegates to the County Convention. “The Caucus is the springboard by which our Party gains leadership to move into the election cycle,” Laudner observed. “County Conventions will be held on March 8th across the state. There delegates are selected to the District and State Conventions ending ultimately in the Republican National Convention this September in Minneapolis.” New leadership is expected to become involved and active.
Moving forward, Laudner sees a bright future for the current presidential selection process. “Once again, Iowans proved themselves worthy of their responsibilities,” he concluded. “They engaged the candidates, measured them against their personal convictions, and made the Iowa Caucus the nation’s premier political event.”
