Idaho GOP Gears Up For 2012 Straw Poll, Caucus
This time next year, precincts will be counting ballots in the 2012 presidential election. But before that, come the primaries and caucuses.
Changes within Idaho’s GOP mean for the first time ever voters will have a voice in choosing the party’s nominee.
At least, that’s the hope of Republicans.
It all starts with a GOP straw poll in early January. Then, instead of the May primary, there will be a caucus on Super Tuesday.
Idaho is just one of many states fighting to be relevant.
City election ballots were filled out behind booths on Tuesday afternoon. But come spring, Idaho Republicans will choose a presidential nominee in an open forum. And their voice will be louder than ever.
“We’re relevant, we’re significant. It’s nice to be able to wield a little bit of power,” said David Adler, director of the McClure Center of Public Police at the University of Idaho.
Power at the polls will be a new phenomenon in Idaho, thanks to a much earlier vote.
The state GOP is switching to a Super Tuesday caucus in March instead of a May primary. The late spring date, behind dozens of other states, has traditionally left Gem-Staters without a say.
“By the time it gets out here to the west, the presidential candidate has typically been chosen already,” said Don Schanz, chairman of the Bonneville County Republicans.
The contest isn’t just being moved up on the calendar. It’s getting a makeover.
When it comes to picking a presidential nominee, Republican voters can say goodbye to the secret ballot of a primary and hello to the open group voting of a caucus.
“We’ll have several rounds and candidates with the least votes are dropped out,” said Schanz.
Schanz said Bonneville County is home to more than 8,000 Republican voters.
On March 6, the county’s choice for candidate will be determined at a meeting of those registered Republicans. But only those who are able to attend the hours-long process in person.
“We’ve never done it before,” said Schanz. “it’s going to be an interesting process.”
After process of elimination, the name with 60 percent of the vote will be submitted to the state. The overall winner gets 32 delegate votes at the GOP National Convention in August.
That’s more delegates than Iowa, New Hampshire or Nevada, some of the earliest and most prized contests in the country.
“A candidate would be foolish not to at least consider coming out here,” said Schanz.
“That means an infusion of dollars into the state, which will help in a small way to spur some economic activity for hotels and restaurants,” said Adler.
Adler said those visits are unlikely to come in time for the GOP’s recently announced straw poll in January.
“That’s pretty much a beauty contest, but it takes on some importance, because after all it’s a way for candidates to measure their relative status in Idaho, so that’s valuable,” said Adler.
The unofficial straw vote gives a glimpse at Gem State support. But it’s sandwiched between Iowa’s Jan. 3 caucus and New Hampshire’s primary on Jan. 10.
Adler said Idahoans might expect to see candidates showing up in late January and February. He hopes the big names will draw excitement, that will in turn send voters to the polls.
“Republican enthusiasts have a tremendous opportunity to raise their voices, make views known and exercise some influence over this race,” said Adler.
The March caucus is only open to voting for registered Republicans. That’s because legislators changed the election system this year to a closed primary.
Idaho’s Democratic party, on the other hand, has opted to keep its primaries open.
The GOP straw poll is scheduled for Jan. 6 at the Riverside Hotel ballroom in Boise. Tickets are $30 per person. That includes one vote per ticket.