Quick reactions from my caucus experience tonight
By Tom Quiner
Precinct 16 in Des Moines had 81 people show up. Two candidates imported speakers from out of state: Rick Perry and Ron Paul. Mitt Romney, Jon Huntsman, and Michelle Bachman did not have anyone get up and speak on their behalf.
Rick Santorum had a speaker from my neighbor speak, who did a great job. I spoke on behalf of Newt Gingrich, using the notes I posted in my previous blog earlier tonight.
Here were the results:
Paul, 23 votes
Gingrich, 16 votes
Santorum, 16 votes
Romney, 12 votes
Perry 8, votes
Bachman, 5 votes
1 undecided
Where things got interesting was in selecting the delegates. Our caucus had some concerns about Paul supporters who said they’d run as delegates. The concern was whether they would be loyal to the Republican Party if come March, Ron Paul had bailed on the Republicans to run as an Independent.
As a result, the Gingrich supporter (me) and Santorum supporter were elected to the county convention as delegates.
Precinct 311 in WDM had 201 people voting. Michelle Bachman had no one speak on her behalf, which kind of surprised me. I spoke for Santorum, who I’ve liked for years, not just lately. I always enjoy the caucus atmosphere. It’s what makes America a great country. The people can still speak!!! Romney won hands down in my precinct.