I live in the Reno area and got an opportunity to experience yesterday a historic event for Nevada – our first caucus. It was an interesting process although I’m not sure how “democratic” it was considering many could not attend since they had to work – like my husband, for example. Being the first caucus, most of us didn’t know exactly what to do in the beginning, including some of our volunteer leaders, but we stayed calm, kept our senses of humor, and muddled through the process. Basically, it was a big head count.
Regardless of party connections, I think all who participated were extremely happy with the turnout. I live in a rural area north of Reno and we had about 200 people attend. Personally, I was happy with the results of the Democratic caucus with Hillary Clinton winning, although it had its share of controversy. The local newspaper reported today that Barack Obama requested an investigation into the Nevada Democractic caucus as many precincts closed their doors at 11:30 a.m. when the state party had mandated that the doors remain open until noon. I am happy to report that my local precinct followed the state party guidelines.
Ultimately, I would prefer that primaries be held in my state rather than caucuses as this would provide everyone a wider opportunity to vote. But the caucus experience was about as “grassroots politics” as one can get – every individual vote truly counted. It is heartwarming to see that the average citizen is becoming more active in the political process and takes this process seriously. “Staying the course” just ain’t working these days, Dubya. Americans want change. I can’t wait for Super Tuesday!
Wow, this last week was insanely busy for me at work. Plus I started a new graphics communications class at the local community college and celebrated birthday #41. Today I am finally getting a chance to catch up with my blog.
A lot happened politically over the past few weeks, especially with John Edwards dropping his run for the presidency. My husband was an Edwards supporter, mainly because Edwards comes from humble roots and has “known pain” – the loss of a child, a wife suffering from cancer, and his blue collar upbringing.
As I’ve mentioned before, I am a Hillary supporter but I have been a little unhappy with some of the nasty comments the Clintons made toward Barack Obama over the last couple of weeks. Thankfully, Hillary and Barack seem to be on friendlier terms, although they are still pitting a tough race against each other. Super Tuesday will reveal a lot.
Sexual assaults on the UNR campus remain a hot topic among students and faculty, and another assault by gunpoint in October was disclosed – this time in a main parking garage on campus late at night. This makes me extremely nervous as I have a full day and evening of events scheduled next week and will need to access this garage for my event guests. I really wish security could be beefed up on campus. I would even advocate for additional campus police on foot, especially at night. UNR has been good about promoting the use of the Campus Escort Service. Because the new student union is open so late and the administration wants students to remain longer on campus, using it as their “living room,” I fear it may be creating an easy atmosphere for predators. Personally, I carry a big can of pepper spray. I hope I never have to use it.