How will tomorrow's caucus affect who the DFL nominee for governor is? NT

[Eric J in MN]

NT

[Bjorn Against]

1. I think the caucuses are more likely to narrow the field than they are to produce a front runner

The caucuses will likely help to narrow the field down as I suspect some candidates will probably drop out if they don't perform well tomorrow. Of course the candidates who do well will get some momentum that will help their campaigns significantly so the caucuses tomorrow are very important, but the race for the nomination will not be decided until the primary in September. Caucuses play a huge role in determining who gets the endorsement, they play a smaller role in determining who gets the nomination however. Over the past few years the candidate who has won the endorsement has easily sailed through the primaries, this year however I think it could be different as there seems to be so many voters who are angry with the party leaders that the endorsement may not be as much of a benefit as it was in the past. While the role the caucuses play in determining the nominee may not be as big this year as it has been in years past it is still important to attend the caucuses not only to vote for your candidate of choice but perhaps more importantly to be able to vote on the resolutions to the party platform as these can be important in pushing the party in the right direction.

[MineralMan]

2. Here's the deal.

The caucuses, at both the precinct and state senate or county level will be poorly attended. Go! Put yourself forward as a state convention delegate. All you will have to do is give a two minute speech, declaring your commitment to progressive candidates and you stand a good chance of being elected to be a state convention delegate. This is your best chance, by far, to make a real difference in the Governor's race, and you'll have a chance to support our 6th District candidate to replace Michele Bachmann.

If you've ever thought about getting active in DFL politics, this is your chance to become a leader in Minnesotat DFL politics. Don't miss this caucus, and make sure to volunteer to be a state senate district delegate and try for the state convention. You'll probably get it.

I will be at Harding High School in St. Paul, representing Ward 6, Precinct 13, and at the state senate district 67 as a delegate, as I was in 2008. If you'll be there, see my photo at the link in my profile. Introduce yourself, and we can caucus together to play a real role in determining the state of Minnesota DFL politics.

If you don't show up at your precinct caucus tomorrow, you're not really serious about progressive ideals. I mean it! This is our best chance to take control of the MN DFL. These caucuses will be poorly attended. Go. Participate.

[Bjorn Against]

3. Don't worry, I am planning on attending.

You are largely correct in what you say, and I am going to attend even though my focus as an activist is on issues and I try to avoid party politics as much as possible. My caucuses are at Sibley High School in Mendota Heights so I won't see you, but rest assured that I will be participating.

[dflprincess]

4. I think you're correct about the caucuses just narrowing the field

but with Dayton and Entenza both planning to go to the primary I think that's all it will do (at least Dayton is honest enough to not even go after the endorsement when he won't respect it). Primary turnout is usually pretty low and limited to true believers though we better hope the Republicans have primaries in some of their races so they won't be crossing over and helping to pick the DFL candidate.

But, in addtion to the governor's race, CDs 2, 3 and 6 all have more than one candidate seeking endorsement for Congress so it's important to show up for those races as well.