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Im looking for recommendations for a great painter for re-painting the exterior of my home this spring. Any suggesions ?
The other half of the team, who is up and reading the NY Times on Sundays hours before we creak to life, notes that Michael Kinsley (moving to WS or perhaps already here, as we reported last month:
https://westseattleblog.com/blog/?p=4809 )
has an item in today’s NYT about the presidential candidates and “change”:
Topic: Wa Dem Caucus
Anyone have questions about the process?
I have a few about the changes rumored for this year, but I probably know more about the process than most having chaired my precinct caucus in both presidential years and off years.
Basic info is
Feb 9th at 1 pm.
Registered voters can caucus but any resident can attend and take part in the discussions.
The sign in sheet is where you must affirm you are a Democrat (on that day)
So far the planning seems to indicate that there will be refreshments (coffee, pastries, etc) and the sign in sheet will be used to track both the initial choice as well as any changes in support during the caucus.
Each precinct will need a chair (usually the PCO if there is one) and a secretary and a tally clerk. Forms and checklists will be provided to aid those who are unfamiliar with the process.
Relatively heavy turnout is expected and efforts are underway to streamline the sign-in process as well as the choosing of delegates.
Speaking of turnout, here is an example. During the last presidential nominating process, my precinct had 48 people show up out of around 400 registered voters (approx 88% of those self identified as Democrats) so estimated 350 as Democrats.
During the off year caucus, there were 4 of us that showed so we could not even fill all the allowed delegates for the precinct.
This is where grass roots organizing has a chance to multiply their vote since the power defaults to those who show up.
So far the “primary” election will just be a popularity contest for those who are too lazy or unable to participate in the caucus for some reason. It does indeed exclude those working on Saturday, deployed, and ill from the process but remember this is a party function, paid for by the local districts (that is where our annual dues go) and donations collected at the caucus. (so bring a few bucks for the donations envelope)It is not meant to be a beauty contest for the public at large.
Also note, each precincts number of delegates it can send to the district and county conventions, is determined by voter turnout in the previous general elections. (I am trying to find the formula and exact method for delegate assignment but so far …)
Details for the 34th LD Democrats
King County Dems caucus page
WA State Democrats page
West Seattle, Washington
12 Sunday
