Jenny Davidson, communications director of the Kansas Democratic Party, will chat at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, about the Kansas caucuses on Feb. 5.

Moderator

Good afternoon. This is Journal-World reporter George Diepenbrock, and thank you for joining us for our first of two online chats about the Kansas caucuses. Today, Jenny Davidson from th Kansas Democratic Party is here in the News Center to take your questions on the Feb. 5 caucus. Thanks Jenny for joining us today.

Jenny Davidson

Thank you, George, for having me.

Moderator

Let’s get started. Can you please summarize first of all what a caucus is and what will happen on Feb. 5 in Kansas?

Jenny Davidson

Last Spring, the Kansas legislature decided not to fund a statewide primary for the Presidential elections. Because of that decision, the duty to elect a Presidential nominee fell to the state parties. Our Democratic Party Chair, Larry Gates, wanted to give Kansans the opportunity to have as much influence on the outcome of this nomination process as possible. With this goal in mind, we chose to schedule the Democratic Party caucuses on Super Tuesday, February 5th.

The Kansas Democratic Party Presidential caucuses are very similar to the caucuses we’ve already seen in Iowa and Nevada.

On Super Tuesday, Kansas’ choice for the Democratic nominee will be decided in a two-step process. First, each caucus Chair will allow up to 30 minutes for participants to make their candidate choices. The Chair will then determine which candidates are “viable” – that is, the candidates who receive 15 percent of the total number of voters present.

Second, after the Caucus Chair announces the preliminary results, voters will have the opportunity to re-choose their candidate. For instance, someone who caucuses for a candidate below the 15 percent threshold may choose to caucus for a candidate with more support. Or, voters from that non-viable group may urge others who caucused for a different candidate to join their group in an effort to become viable. Anyone can change their mind and move to another group.

Once a reasonable amount of time has passed, the Chair will ask for a final count for each candidate group. This is the official count for the caucus and those results will be reported to the State Democratic Party headquarters in Topeka.

soitgoes

Will any caucus-goers be turned away if they are in line when the doors open and are still potentially in line when the caucus begins at 7pm?

Jenny Davidson

As long as participants are in line by 7:00 p.m., they will be allowed to join the caucus. Those who show up after 7:00 p.m., even if a line remains, will not be allowed to join. I would recommend arriving early!

Moderator

We’ve received several questions asking why Kansas is not having a primary instead. You answered this in a previous question. But can you talk about what party leaders expect as far as turnout to be at the Kansas caucus sites on Super Tuesday?

Jenny Davidson

I think turnout in Kansas will mirror the excitement we’ve seen across the country so far this year. In the Iowa Democratic caucuses, we saw double the number of caucus attendees from 2004. In New Hampshire, we heard reports of primary sites running our of Democratic ballots. Our own office phone lines have been ringing off of the hook with Kansans wanting to learn how to participate and where to go to be a part of the Democratic caucuses. These Democratic candidates have inspired and excited a lot of voters, and I think that will be reflected in our turnout on Super Tuesday.

beadew

Who is eligible to attend a caucus?

How can people who have never been to a caucus learn more about it?

Jenny Davidson

All Kansans are eligible to attend the Democratic Party Super Tuesday caucuses. Those Kansans already registered as Democrats will sign in as they do at any general election. Those are are currently registered as Republican or Independent, or not registered at all will be asked to complete a voter registration form and register as a Democrat at the door before participating. Also, any 17-year-old who will be 18 by November 4 2008 is eligible to register at the door and participate.

More information about the Super Tuesday caucuses can be located on our Web site: http://www.ksdp.org/SuperTuesday. I would encourage everyone to visit the site. We just added a handy “Cacus Locator” that allows you to find your caucus site quickly and without hassle. That tool can be found by clicking the “Caucus Finder” Link on the Super Tuesday Central page.

And, as always, we’d be more than happy to answer questions over the phone. Call us at (785) 234-0245 if you have any questions about Super Tuesday.

Jenny Davidson

I’m sorry – I made a mistake on our phone number.

Call – (785) 234-0425

: )

ChristyLittle

Since Kansas has a governor who is a rising star in the party, do you think the Democratic presidential candidates might campaign harder for Kansas votes?

Jenny Davidson

That’s a good question. I think all of the Democratic presidential candidates respect the way Governor Kathleen Sebelius has led our state in bi-partisan fashion, and consider her to be a great leader. That might encourage them to stop by! Also, since Kansas is caucusing on Super Tuesday along with a majority of the other states (and since this presidential race is so close) every single delegate is going to count. That makes Kansas a national player and the candidates may want to stop by and campaign for our delegates!

Moderator

Are you aware of any Democratic candidate’s current plans to make an appearance in Kansas in person before Feb. 5?

Jenny Davidson

No, I haven’t heard anything yet. However, Senator Obama has 16 paid staffers and Senator Clinton has two paid staffers working hard and campaigning in Kansas, and former Senator Edwards has had campaign chairs working to organize for several months. We may hear something in the days to come.

soitgoes

After hearing of alleged reports of supporters of one candidate trying to close caucus-polling doors early, or misinformation about caucus locations, what steps has the KDP taken to ensure that such problems/allegations do not occur in our state caucuses?

Jenny Davidson

Our staff has been working dilligently to get information about caucus locations and caucus rules to Kansans through emails, county party meetings, community meetings and local press. Our caucus chairs are currently going through intense training sessions so they are fully prepared to handle situations as they arise at each caucus. Also, the State Party staff will be working that night, manning a “Help Line” for caucus chairs and attendees. We will be addressing each situation so these caucuses run smoothly, efficiently and correctly.

Moderator

Do party leaders and staff feel comfortable with the number of caucus sites around the state? Are there any logistical problems you are trying to avoid, such as a site having a high turnout? If so, how are you preparing?

Jenny Davidson

When we chose our caucus sites, we looked for locations that were central to each state senate district and that had facilities capable for holding a large turnout. Again, we are working with our caucus chairs to address these scenarios so that they can each make judgement calls at their individual caucuses based on the facilities they are using and the resources that are available to them.

Moderator

I have one last question. Who pays for the caucuses and how much will they cost?

Jenny Davidson

The Kansas Democratic Party pays for the caucuses. I do not have the total estimated cost of Super Tuesday, but it’s not cheap. I encourage those who are interested in supporting the Kansas Democratic Party to visit our Web site or call!

Moderator

That is all the time we have for today. Thanks again Jenny for joining us and providing more information about the Democratic caucuses on Feb. 5. Is there anything else you want to share with our readers?

Jenny Davidson

Thank you for having me. I encourage everyone to join us on Super Tuesday to support your favorite Democratic candidate. Don’t forget – doors open at 6:00 p.m. and you must be inside or in line by 7:00 to participate. For more information – visit http://www.ksdp.org/SuperTuesday or call (785) 234-0425. We hope to see you on Super Tuesday!

Moderator

Join us again 1:30 p.m. Wednesday for part two of our chat about the Kansas caucuses. Craig Campbell, chairman of the Douglas County Republicans, will be in to answer questions about the GOP caucus Feb. 9. Send us your questions in the meantime.