Caucus for John Edwards February 5th

Written by: Ronald D. McVeigh on Feb 3, 2008 5:54 PM EST

Linked to groups: Greater Kansas City Democracy for America

As you know, John Edwards "suspended" his campaign for president last week. Do not get hung up on the word suspended. This is just legal terminology that allows John to continue receiving federal matching funds. It does not mean John will at some point resume the campaign at some point.

For many Edwards supporters, this played us in a quandary as to what to do at the Tuesday caucus. Should we just not go? Should we go and support Edwards even though he has suspended his campaign? Should we caucus for one of the two remaining candidates?

On Saturday, February 2nd, Edwards supporters in Johnson County met for a mock caucus. Naturally the questions above were the first topic of discussion. At that meeting, those present decided we would caucus for John Edwards on Tuesday evening. What a tribute it would be to get a John Edwards delegate to the national convention from Kansas Third Congressional District. This is obviously a long shot. However, giving up was not an option for those attending this meeting.

When the realignment phase of the caucus occurs, you have to make a decision. Does the Edwards group meet 15% viability? If not, are there Richardson or Kuninich people that will join you to make the Edwards group viable? Can you cajole some Clinton or Obama supporters to come to the Edwards group to make it viable?
So what do you do if you cannot get the Edwards group viable? You basically have three choices: 1) try and get others to form a viable uncommitted group, 2) join either the Obama or Clinton group, or 3) leave. Personally, I will leave.

Caucusing for John Edwards is not wasting your vote. Caucusing for John Edwards is standing up for the principles and stands John has taken throughout this campaign. If you do not see these principles and policy stances in the Clinton or Obama campaigns, why would you vote for them?

Tags: