GOP caucuses set for Feb. 7; Dems in March

The 2012 election will soon officially get underway when Custer County Republicans gather to hold their precinct caucuses.

Colorado GOP caucuses will take place Tuesday, Feb. 7, beginning at 7 p.m.

Here in Custer County, precinct one Republicans will hold their caucus in the county courthouse; precinct two will meet in Wetmore fire station; and precinct three will gather at Custer County School.

To participate in the Republican caucus, county residents must be a registered Republican Party voter.

On the county level, county commissioner seats will be up for grabs in districts two and three. In district two, incumbent Republican Lynn Attebery is seeking re-election. In district three, incumbent Republican Jim Austin is running again. Also seeking the GOP nomination for that seat is former commissioner Kit Shy.

Local Republicans can pre-register to participate in the upcoming caucus by going on-line to www.caucus.cologop.com and following the prompts. Once the pre-registration form is complete, print and take the form with you to the caucus. Photo identification may also be required once arriving at the caucus.

The major purpose of the caucus is to elect delegates and alternates to the county assembly.

During the county assembly only those delegates selected at caucus can vote for candidates. Candidates with at least 30 percent of the vote at county assembly will automatically have their names placed on the ballot for the primary election.

Those candidates who receive at least 10 percent of the vote at the county assembly can seek to get their name on the primary election ballot via petition.

Candidates can also choose to bypass the caucus and assembly route, and go the petition route.

Also at the county assembly, delegates and alternates will be selected to attend the state party convention and regional assemblies.

For more information about the upcoming Republican Party caucus, contact Custer County Central Committee acting chairman Rob Canterbury at 783-2480.

Colorado Democratic Party caucuses                 have been scheduled for March 6.

– Nora Drenner