George resident follows Democratic tradition by hosting caucus
By Tim Gallagher Journal staff writer | Posted: Wednesday, December 26, 2007
GEORGE, Iowa -- Not only does Randy Riecks have to pick a candidate by the Iowa Caucus, he must vacuum the living room.
His living room.
Riecks and wife Sue are following a long-standing tradition in George, Iowa, by hosting a Democratic caucus Jan. 3 in their home at 100 S. Williams St.
While caucusing in living rooms was the norm three decades ago, it's the exception now as voting precincts such as schools, community centers and libraries have replaced kitchen tables and basement bars in this area of political discussion.
"I've got to get the house ready," said Riecks, 57. "We hosted our caucus for George Democrats four years ago and had 30 to 35 people show up. We plan on having that many again."
Three other Democratic households in Lyon County will host a caucus this time around: the Jean and Ralph Kock residence at Inwood, the Jasper and Karen TerWee home at Inwood and the Marvin Damman residence at Little Rock. The only Republican home to serve as a caucus site in the county is Aunt Reba's Bed & Breakfast, a business that also serves as home to Rich and Reba Crawford about 1 1/2 miles west of Lester.
"This time we'll have our special hot chili and we'll have some local businessmen bringing in fresh baked pastries," said Rich Crawford. "We'll have the best-fed caucus in the area. Let the Democrats try to top that!"
"The gals will bake cookies for our caucus," said Riecks. "So will my wife Sue."
Sue Riecks, a registered Independent, may register as a Democrat on caucus night, something that's allowed by law, according to several county auditors.
"If Sue supports one, it will probably be Bill Richardson," Randy Riecks said. "But she indicated she probably won't decide until that night."
Is Randy decided?
"I'm in the same dilemma," he said. "I won't know until that night. That's what makes this so interesting."
After cleaning the house and brewing the coffee, Randy Riecks will open the caucus by registering participants. He'll give a welcome and ask folks to break into groups for the candidates they support. Those falling in the "undecided" category can be swayed by representatives of other candidates.
"You have to get so many to be viable," said Riecks, a member of the city council in George. "We'll also elect delegates to the county convention and we'll discuss some fundraising issues."
How long will it take?
"I don't know how long it will go," said Riecks, who lists health care, education and the war on terror as his top issues. "Several people in George I've talked to are like us, they haven't made up their minds."
Rich Crawford said both he and his wife are undecided at this stage.
The living room discussions Jan. 3 could take 10 minutes, 30 minutes or 90 minutes. Who knows?
Riecks knows this: It won't be the largest crowd ever to gather in their home. That record was set in July 2005 when many George residents flocked to their house to extend wishes to son Philip Riecks, who headed off to war in Iraq. He returned a year later and now works in Texas.
"Yes, the war is one of three issues with me," Randy Riecks said. "I've always felt it was a mistake, but Philip and I have talked about it quite a bit. Yes, I want our troops out of there, but I don't think it's a situation where you can immediately pull out. I think what we're doing now we needed to do three years ago."
Having the 2008 caucus in a George home follows a tradition that dates back decades. According to Riecks, previous Democratic caucuses have been hosted by the Krahlings, the Huesers and the Petersens.
The Republicans in George generally meet in the community room downtown. The room is bigger and needs to be as George, like the rest of Lyon County, has more Republicans than Democrats.
Lyon County voters
Registered voters in Lyon County breakdown this way:
-- 5,110 Republican
-- 1,130 Democrat
-- 2,125 No Party
His living room.
Riecks and wife Sue are following a long-standing tradition in George, Iowa, by hosting a Democratic caucus Jan. 3 in their home at 100 S. Williams St.
While caucusing in living rooms was the norm three decades ago, it's the exception now as voting precincts such as schools, community centers and libraries have replaced kitchen tables and basement bars in this area of political discussion.
"I've got to get the house ready," said Riecks, 57. "We hosted our caucus for George Democrats four years ago and had 30 to 35 people show up. We plan on having that many again."
Three other Democratic households in Lyon County will host a caucus this time around: the Jean and Ralph Kock residence at Inwood, the Jasper and Karen TerWee home at Inwood and the Marvin Damman residence at Little Rock. The only Republican home to serve as a caucus site in the county is Aunt Reba's Bed & Breakfast, a business that also serves as home to Rich and Reba Crawford about 1 1/2 miles west of Lester.
"This time we'll have our special hot chili and we'll have some local businessmen bringing in fresh baked pastries," said Rich Crawford. "We'll have the best-fed caucus in the area. Let the Democrats try to top that!"
"The gals will bake cookies for our caucus," said Riecks. "So will my wife Sue."
Sue Riecks, a registered Independent, may register as a Democrat on caucus night, something that's allowed by law, according to several county auditors.
"If Sue supports one, it will probably be Bill Richardson," Randy Riecks said. "But she indicated she probably won't decide until that night."
Is Randy decided?
"I'm in the same dilemma," he said. "I won't know until that night. That's what makes this so interesting."
After cleaning the house and brewing the coffee, Randy Riecks will open the caucus by registering participants. He'll give a welcome and ask folks to break into groups for the candidates they support. Those falling in the "undecided" category can be swayed by representatives of other candidates.
"You have to get so many to be viable," said Riecks, a member of the city council in George. "We'll also elect delegates to the county convention and we'll discuss some fundraising issues."
How long will it take?
"I don't know how long it will go," said Riecks, who lists health care, education and the war on terror as his top issues. "Several people in George I've talked to are like us, they haven't made up their minds."
Rich Crawford said both he and his wife are undecided at this stage.
The living room discussions Jan. 3 could take 10 minutes, 30 minutes or 90 minutes. Who knows?
Riecks knows this: It won't be the largest crowd ever to gather in their home. That record was set in July 2005 when many George residents flocked to their house to extend wishes to son Philip Riecks, who headed off to war in Iraq. He returned a year later and now works in Texas.
"Yes, the war is one of three issues with me," Randy Riecks said. "I've always felt it was a mistake, but Philip and I have talked about it quite a bit. Yes, I want our troops out of there, but I don't think it's a situation where you can immediately pull out. I think what we're doing now we needed to do three years ago."
Having the 2008 caucus in a George home follows a tradition that dates back decades. According to Riecks, previous Democratic caucuses have been hosted by the Krahlings, the Huesers and the Petersens.
The Republicans in George generally meet in the community room downtown. The room is bigger and needs to be as George, like the rest of Lyon County, has more Republicans than Democrats.
Lyon County voters
Registered voters in Lyon County breakdown this way:
-- 5,110 Republican
-- 1,130 Democrat
-- 2,125 No Party
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Larry Schuetz wrote on Dec 26, 2007 8:45 AM:
Sharon wrote on Dec 26, 2007 8:29 AM: