Party caucuses across the county suffered from low turnout Monday night, but still managed to select delegates who will attend party conventions later this year.

Jerry Stubben, extension state community specialist and former assistant professor of political science, said low turnout is normal because it shows who wants to lead the party during the next caucuses.

Although this year is an election year for governor, Stubben said voters will choose those candidates during the primary – not in the caucus.

“It’s usually county officers who go out for these,” he said. “They’ll be more involved . when we get closer to the real caucus.”

Democratic Caucuses

George McJimsey, precinct leader of Ward 3, Precinct 3, which includes Towers Residence Halls, said the purpose of the precinct caucuses is to elect people to go to county, district, state and national political conventions.

“It’s essentially a matter of platforms in nonpresidential years,” McJimsey said.

Three people, including McJimsey, showed up at the Collegiate Methodist Church, 130 Sheldon Ave., where the caucus was.

David Grimesey, senior in political science, attended the 3-3 caucus. He said he enjoys the give and take at the caucuses.

“I just go to get some of my ideas across,” he said.

Chessman Lounge in Helser Hall hosted the Ward 4, Precinct 5 Democratic Caucus, which three students attended.

Aaron Hurd, sophomore in computer engineering, was elected to be delegate from the precinct to the Story County convention. Hurd was optimistic about his first plunge into the political process.

“I hope that my input will prove useful,” he said.

The Story County Democratic Convention will be March 16 at Ames Middle School, according to the Story County Democrats Web site, www.storydems.org.

Republican Caucuses

Included at each of the Republican precincts were letters from President George W. Bush thanking community members for participating in the caucus, letters from candidates explaining issues of concern and ballots participants could sign in support of candidates nominations.

“The caucus is an opportunity to meet with fellow Republicans and get to know the people in your precinct,” said Matthew Grewe, freshman in meteorology and treasurer of the College Republicans.

“This is where it really starts,” said Ames resident Bud Montang. “None of the candidates can be elected without the signatures they receive tonight.”

Platform issues discussed include: foreign policy, national security, tax reform, natural resources, education, law enforcement, the right to life, and the Republican party itself. These issues will be brought to the Story County Republican Convention on March 9 at Ames City Hall.

“If you don’t participate, you don’t really have a reason to complain,” said Nancy Brown, President of the Ames League of Women Voters. “It’s a good opportunity to put in my two cents worth and make my opinion heard.”

“I want to stay involved in politics and make sure we’re headed in the right direction,” said Benjamin Rittgers, senior in computer science. “I wish more students would attend.”