Caucuses kick off political season: Republicans will focus on resolutions

Staff

Published Sunday, February 29, 2004

By Ann Austin, Tribune staff writer

The upcoming precinct caucus is, to many, a very important meeting of the minds. "If you don't participate in the precinct caucuses, you don't have any say," Republican Chairman Matt Benda said.

This caucus, the focus will be on resolutions, since the Republican party has no one they wish to elect in place of President Bush. "It will be a little more smooth-sailing for us," Republican Co-chairwoman Jenn Brist said. Resolutions which are decided upon at the precinct caucus will be addressed at the county, district, state and national conventions. This caucus will determine what the focus will be for the next election, which is why it is so important for the community to be involved. "If you have an issue you need to present it," Benda said.

Otherwise, your point of view might not be heard, he added.

Delegates will be elected at the precinct caucus, and at each of the following conventions. Delegates represent the community and bring the resolutions to the next level. Anyone participating in the precinct caucus may be chosen as a delegate.

The big issues which will likely be addressed by the Republican party this year are taxes, education, defense and, possibly, immigration.

"Taxes are usually a big resolution," Brist said.

Education has become a greater issue this year because of the uncertainty with the No Child Left Behind legislation. Brist, who is a teacher, stated that she agrees with the intentions of the bill, but it does need work.

Defense has always been important to Republicans. "Most Republicans believe that national defense is a primary duty of the government," Brist said. "The dedication and sacrifices of our military members and their families will be recognized."

Immigration has also been a hot topic this past year. "It's a rather sensitive area," Benda said. But there probably will be resolutions dealing with immigration.

The co-chairs encourage anyone and everyone who has an interest in the Republican party to become involved in the caucus. Benda, who has been attending caucuses and has been a delegate on and off since he was 18, finds that being involved helps in understanding the basic process of government and to really know who you are voting for. "The challenge is to learn how to be involved," he said.

(Contact Ann Austin at ann.austin@albertleatribune.com or 379-3435.)

---

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?

---