Caucuses Feb. 1 to Select Precinct Co-Chairs, Delegates
On Tuesday, February 1, Republicans across Minnesota will be gathering for precinct caucuses. In our last newsletter and on our website we provided some details about what happens at Republican Party caucuses in Minnesota. This article will outline some important facts about how SD49 Republicans conduct our caucuses.
First, it is important to reiterate where our caucuses are held. In Bloomington, the Republican Precinct Caucuses will be held at Jefferson High School. For Republicans in Edina, Eden Prairie Precinct 08 (P-08) and Minnetonka P-1B and P-1C, the Republican caucuses will be held at Southview Middle School in Edina. Doors will open at 6:15 pm, and the caucuses will convene at 7:00 pm.
This is a year when voters will elect office-holders at many levels. These include MN House and Senate legislators, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and State Auditor. We will also be electing our US Congressional representatives. For us in Congressional District 3, virtually every office just mentioned has a DFL incumbent. It is critical that we endorse the best-prepared and most-persuasive candidates to challenge the incumbents for each of these offices.
The delegates that we elect at our caucuses and at our SD49 convention will be the ones who decide which candidates to endorse. These delegates must be prepared to learn as much as possible about all of the candidates, because we will depend on their judgment when they vote to endorse. Note that while redistricting might affect what senate and/or congressional district you are in, if you are elected as delegate or alternate you will continue to be one for your precinct. It is a 2-year term.
In Senate District 49, we believe that the Republicans that are elected Precinct Co-Chairs at our caucuses have the trust and respect of their neighbors who have elected them. By our bylaws, each SD49 precinct can elect up to two Co-Chairs. These Co-Chairs normally serve two-year terms and are expected to lead and represent their precincts. Given the responsibilities and commitments they make, these Co-Chairs are empowered by our bylaws to nominate the SD49 delegates and alternates that will attend the Congressional District and State Conventions.
The nominations will be formalized into a slate by a Delegate Nominating Committee made up of those newly elected Precinct Co-Chairs. The Delegate Nominating Committee will meet by invitation on February 24. The slate of nominated delegates is presented for ratification to the SD49 Republican convention, to be held on March 19.
We believe that the privilege of representing SD49 at a Congressional and State Convention should be granted to those who step forward to serve our district beyond those conventions. If you want to seek that privilege, seriously consider running for Co-Chair of your Precinct at the February 1 caucus.
Note: during caucus on February 1, each precinct elects its delegates and alternates to attend the SD49 convention. Candidates running for MN House and Senate in SD49 will be endorsed by these precinct delegates at the SD49 convention on March 19. These precinct delegates and alternates are encouraged to support their Co-Chairs in precinct activities over the next two years.
Written by David Clynes
January 24, 2022
Minnesota is one of a few states that still recognizes the value of citizens meeting together in neighborhood groups to renew their political parties every two years. On Tuesday, February 1, Republicans across Minnesota will be gathering for precinct caucuses. The future of our Party and Nation belongs to those who show up.