Iowa Caucuses to Be Held Monday, Feb. 5

Most of the excitement around the Iowa Caucuses occurs during a presidential election year. Iowa’s first-in-the-nation status brings media and candidates to the state during the cold winter months. What many Iowans may not realize is caucuses are held every two years.

Caucuses aren’t merely a presidential straw poll, but an event where political parties nominate delegates to serve at its conventions and establish the party’s policy platforms. Four years ago, Iowa Republicans in the 3rd District had the opportunity to see the caucus to convention play out when Congressman David Young was ultimately picked as the party’s nominee by a vote of the delegates. There is a chance Iowa Democrats may be in the same situation this year if none of the gubernatorial candidates reach 35 percent in the primary.

Participating in your party’s caucus is a grassroots way to get involved in policymaking at the political party level. If you’re interested in attending a caucus on February 5, ABI and BIPAC have a resource for you. Check out www.iavotes.com/caucus for basic information about how to caucus. Although Iowa won’t be helping pick the president this year, it’s not a bad idea to go to your caucus to get a flavor for what a presidential caucus will look like!