Nevada: Vote The Caucus, Not The Candidate

I’ve already discussed my strategy for making Nevada’s caucus on January 19th the caucus not to be missed again in my previous post “A Modest Proposal to Elevate The Nevada Caucus,” but a recent editorial in the Reno Gazette-Journal convinced me that it was time to make another pitch.

Let’s be honest, except for the initial excitement after the Nevada caucus was announced, Nevada never had a chance to attract as much attention as long time caucus and primary states, Iowa and New Hampshire. Why would it? This primary season’s date shifting by the states may explain some of it, but really, it about Nevada’s caucus being brand spanking new– there’s no history, no precedent, and no expectations.

Ironically, Republican candidates have managed to raise nearly $1 million dollars more from Nevadans than the Democratic candidates, even though the Democratic candidates have visited the state far more times. From a recent blog post entitled “Caucus Neglect” at Slate:

As states wage war over which primary or caucus will be first in the nation, Nevada is being left behind. For the first time in its history, the Silver State will host the second caucus in the country on Jan. 19. And yet, nobody seems to care.

Slate’s Map the Candidates tool shows an apathetic bunch of candidates. In total, they’ve only made 55 campaign stops in Nevada since July 1, according to their public schedules (excluding Duncan Hunter and Mike Gravel, who don’t make their schedules public). That’s both parties’ tallies combined. To give some context, South Carolina has had 145 stops in that time period. New Hampshire? 415. Iowa? An obscene 966 stops! The candidates have even visited Florida 78 times, despite this summer’s abstinence pledge from the top Democrats.

A closer look at the 55 Nevada stops reveals a heavy Democratic bias. All six of the first- and second-tier Democrats have stopped by the Silver State, but only Ron Paul and Mitt Romney have stumped for the GOP. Yes, more GOP candidates have visited Wyoming than Nevada. For what it’s worth, Nevada GOP Executive Director Zac Moyle told me he was happy with the turnout and said several other candidates are coming in November.

Are Nevada Republicans who gave the candidates all that money suckers? We’ll see, but its beginning to look like it, isn’t it? I wonder how much money Wyomingers (?) have raised for the Republicans candidates? Or maybe the Republican candidates just like the scenery better there?

Anyway, its time to vote the caucus, not the candidate. From my original post:

The only way for the Nevada caucus to make its reputation is to produce an unusual result–a result that will force the media and the candidates to respect our caucus now and in the future. How do Nevada caucus voters do this? By voting for the candidate who places finished highest in the New Hampshire primary and is NOT Hillary Clinton.

By voting the caucus and not the candidate, Nevadans will guarantee the state’s status as one of the four official Democratic primary states in the future no matter what Michigan Florida or California do. Everybody likes a surprise–especially pundits obsessed with handicapping presidential elections.

Similar Posts:

• Nevada’s May Be The Forgotten Caucus, But Michigan’s Been Snubbed
• A Modest Proposal To Elevate The Nevada Caucus
• Is There A Caucus Somewhere Around Here?

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