It's that time of year again for Precinct Caucuses!!

What is Precinct Caucuses you ask?

Well it's many things.  The part that will get the most publicity is it's your chance to vote for which Presidential candidate you prefer for the Republican Nomination.  It appears likely the race for the nomination will still be contested.  So while the vote is non-binding, it does indicate Minnesota's current preference for Presidential candidates.

But precinct caucuses are also the beginning of grassroots political involvement.  You are electing delegates to represent your precinct upper Republican party units.  These are the people that run the Republican party and pick it's candidates.  So if you're ever been unhappy with your choice of candidates on Election day, this is your chance to change it!

Along with the delegates you elect, you can also vote on resolutions, which are suggested changes to the state party platform.  This is the document that lists the supported views of the MN Republican Party.

But it's also a chance to get together with your like-minded neighbors and discuss the issues.  This is as grassroots as it gets, because there is no agenda in stone, it's up to the people that show up how to proceed.

So you want to attend?? Great!!  Here's where you go:

All Precinct Caucuses begin at 7pm on Tuesday, February 7th, 2012.

If you're in House District 37A (which includes precincts Apple Valley 1 - 6, Apple Valley 14 - 16 and Burnsville 13 - 16), go here:

Eastview High School
6200 140th St W
Apple Valley, MN 55124

If you're in House District 37B (which includes precincts Apple Valley 7 - 13 and Rosemount 1 - 6), go here:

Rosemount High School
3335 142nd Street West
Rosemount, MN 55068

If you don't know which Precinct or House District you're in, go here.

So what's going to happen when you get there???  Well, you'll probably be ushered towards the theater of the High School, where we'll start as a general session.  There the current officers for your local Republican party will explain the process and how the evening will proceed.  This will be relatively short and then you'll break up into your precincts.  

Your precincts will be meeting at a variety of rooms throughout the High School.  Maps will be provided there.  One you arrive a convenor will help lead the precinct through the process.  That process will include things like:

• Sign in on the PCRC form
• You'll have the option to sign up as a poll observer or election judge
• You'll also have the option to sign up as a volunteer for the Republican Party.
• Vote for your preferred candidate for the Presidential Republican nomination
• Vote for a Precinct Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary: These positions make up part of the leadership of the local Republican Party.
• Vote for delegates/alternates to represent your precinct at party conventions
• Vote for resolutions
• Anything else your precinct decides!

And that would be it! Hope to see you there!

Kevin Ecker
SD37 Secretary

On Sunday, November 6th, the Senate District 37 Republicans got together for a night of fun and fellowship.  It was a chance to renew old friendships and make new ones.  Equally exciting is the countdown of only 366 days until Obama is voted out of office!

In that spirit, we conducted a straw poll to get an idea of who our members are supporting for the Republican nominee.  Each attendee got at least one vote.  In addition, you could "buy" additional votes by making a donation to the BPOU. 

If you don't count the additional votes, the results were as follows:

1. Herman Cain (5)
2. Newt Gingrich (5)
3. Michelle Bachmann (3)
4. Ron Paul (3)
5. Mitt Romney (2)
6. Rick Perry (1)
7. Paul Ryan (1 write-in)
8. Rick Santorum (1)
9. Jon Huntsman (0)

However, the straw poll results that including additional votes gives a better idea of the level of enthusiasm supporters have for their candidates.  Those results are as follows:

1. Rick Santorum (91)
2. Herman Cain (77)
3. Newt Gingrich (68)
4. Rick Perry (41)
5. Michelle Bachmann (39)
6. Ron Paul (28)
7. Paul Ryan (21 write-ins)
8. Mitt Romney (11)
9. Jon Huntsman (0)

Overall it was a fun night, and we look forward to working to elect Republicans in 2012.

On February 2nd, 2010, Republicans from all over Senate District 37 joined their neighbors at Precinct Caucuses and began the great political process this country has. They met to modify the Party's platform for the upcoming election and to elect delegates to represent them the SD37 BPOU Convention. They also came to select their preference for the Republican Party's candidate for Governor. The results were as follows:

On January 30th, 2010, conservatives from all over the SD37 area joined to meet and talk to the Republican Gubernatorial candidates.  It was a great chance to hear from each of the candidates and then get a chance to chat with them one-on-one to be able to ask the unscripted personal questions many of us have for our candidates.

The turnout was great, so much that we had to set up extra tables! Needless to say there was a great energy displayed by everyone that was attended.  It's clear that conservatives are engaged and excited about the upcoming election and they want to make sure the best candidate is put forward.

Feel free to check the pictures from that night!

Come join SD37 Republicans on Saturday January 30th, 2010 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM for a fundraiser to meet the Minnesota Republican Gubernatorial Candidates and get to know each of the candidates and their policy positions. We'll be joined by:

• Marty Seifert
• Tom Emmer
• Pat Anderson
• David Hann
• Phil Herwig
• Bill Haas
• Leslie Davis

The public is welcome and there is a $10 entry fee to join SD37 and the GOP candidates for a wonderful Asian buffet (included in the price).

The event will take place at the Song Long Restaurant, located at 14871 Granada Avenue, Apple Valley, MN.  You can find a map of the location here.