Joey Bristol, an Idaho field director for the Obama for America campaign, hosted an informational gathering Wednesday at the Roosevelt Tavern & Grille in Ketchum to explain the process of caucuses and how Idahoans can make their voices heard in the 2008 presidential election.
"Obama supporters need to attend Democratic caucuses in each county across the state," Bristol said. "Since caucus results are based solely on physically counting those who appeared to support their candidate, it's the single most important thing you can do as an Obama supporter."
By definition, a caucus is a meeting of supporters for a political party or movement. The purpose of the Idaho caucuses is to determine how the state's 23 delegates are divided between the democratic candidates.
For the first time ever, the Democratic county caucuses in the state of Idaho will be held on Super Tuesday.
Moving the date ahead to Tuesday, Feb. 5, puts Idaho in line with other western states—Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado—to create a new "Super Duper" Tuesday for the Rockies. At stake are the allegiances of 23 delegates from Idaho, 18 of whom will be decided by average voters. The non-binding primary will be held Tuesday, May 27, and the State Convention will be held June 12 to 14 at the Taco Bell Arena in Boise.
"But it's important to vote with your body first at the caucus," Bristol said.
As an early state, Idaho will help determine which candidates have enough supporters to be considered for the general election.
"This is an assertive political move by us and many of our neighbors that will raise the importance of western states in the presidential process," said Idaho Democratic Party Chair Richard Stallings.
Under Democratic National Committee rules, no state with the exceptions of Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina may hold their primaries or caucuses before Feb. 5.
Taking advantage of this situation is Sen. Barack Obama. He is the only front running presidential candidate who has committed to Idaho, in terms of staff and coverage.
Inspired to follow Obama's career after his speech at the National Convention in 2004, Bristol, who is a native of Spokane, moved to Boise to work on the campaign.
"We make about 400 calls a night; 80 to 100 are undecided but they're excited there's a democrat with an office here," Bristol said. "We think it's a good investment of our resources.
"I truly believe we get leaders like Obama every 40 or 50 years. It's our chance to get someone who deeply understands the human condition. He has a humble approach to the world."
Those attending the gathering kept the discourse rolling and nodded in agreement as Bristol spoke.
"He is fresh, articulate and can do more to change the international image of our country immediately," said Ketchum resident Deb Bohr.
Bristol explained that of the $80 million the campaign has raised to date, none of it has come from lobbyists.
Margaret Macdonald Stewart said this was a key issue for her.
"Obama's stand on lobbyists is what interests me," she said. "It reminds me of a bumper sticker that said 'America is not a country. It's an auction.'"
Bristol, one of 700 paid campaign staffers, said if Obama does win he wouldn't be beholden to lobbyists and corporate donors.
Obama For America Campaign Field Director Joey Bristol speaks to a gathering at the Roosevelt, Wednesday. Photo by Dana DuGan
