Roseville Resident Says "It All Starts at The Caucus"

Editor's note: The author of this opinion piece is chairman of the state House District 54A Republican Party. He is also a member of the Roseville Planning Commission.

"Talking politics with co-workers or extended family is something we often try to avoid.  But if you really want to get into it about the candidates or the issues with others who will welcome the discussion, your once-every-two-year chance to mix it up with like-minded neighbors is here – it’s Caucus night in Minnesota!

I had no idea what to expect when I showed up at my first ever caucus four years ago. I ended up not just casting my vote for the presidential endorsement, I also wound up volunteering to be secretary for my local precinct, and even got elected as a delegate to the House District convention.

At that HD convention the next month, I was able to cast my vote for endorsement for our Minnesota legislative candidates, and I was elected a delegate to the Congressional District (CD)and State conventions. Also this year, because of redistricting, all local party offices are up for election. 

Then at the Minnesota and CD conventions, we endorsed candidates for all the Minnesota and federal candidates, and discussed and voted on changes to the state party platform.

So, if you have any kind of inclination to be really involved in politics, and are willing to volunteer some time and effort to the party of your choice, you can start the ball rolling by just showing up at the Caucus tonight, and throwing your own name in the hat for delegate.

That’s the first step down the path to political involvement -- not everyone's cup of tea, but if it's yours, this is where to start.

You will likely have to talk for a minute or two about why you’re interested, and the kinds of things you believe in – but believe me when I say that no experience is required, only the honest desire to help your party and your candidates get into office, and you stand as good a chance as anyone to be elected to go on to the next levels, either as a delegate or as a local party officer.  AND you get to cast your vote in the poll for president!"