Review of Introduction to Colorado Politics Class by Pauline Olvera

(clarification: This is a review of a class taught by Crista Huff and Chris Holbert. The class was attended and reviewed by Pauline Olvera.)

I attended the caucus training event last night and wanted to share a brief overview of what I learned.

It was extremely informative. The speakers were well-organized and knowledgeable. They gave a brief introduction of themselves and what events drove them to become involved in the caucus. I found it interesting that they are ordinary people just like you and me.

They explained the Two-Year Election Cycle, the Caucus procedures, the activities that take place and the purpose of the event.

One issue of particular importance was the explanation of registered party voter vs. unaffiliated voter vs. delegate.

As a registered affiliated voter we usually cast two votes per year, one during the primary and one in the general election. As an unaffiliated voter, since you cannot vote in the primary, you only have one vote. Because of this our efforts are rarely realized.

However, as a delegate in the caucus, you cast several votes throughout the year on issues that are most important to you. Because of this, you effect change directly.

In this capacity we ensure that the issues we care about most get on the ballot. We can change laws! We can change laws by changing who votes for those laws. As delegates, WE choose those candidates who best represent our values to run on our ticket.

In essence, we BECOME the GOP. No more leaving it up to “them”!

The best part about becoming a delegate or a committee member is that it didn’t seem all that difficult. For the amount of influence exuded in those positions, becoming involved is relatively simple and the time commitment is very low. The whole process was much less intimidating than I had ever imagined.

Overall, what I came away with is that caucusing is where the control and power of our elections and our entire political system occurs. This is where REAL change happens.

This area of our political system is, in my opinion, a more powerful and influential office than that of the President of the United States.

I have talked with many of you who have expressed the desire to “do whatever it takes to take our country back, for ourselves, for our kids.” Well here’s your chance.

For those of you thinking a third party might be the answer, consider this. If you are not willing to become involved at this level in the GOP then the same thing is going to happen in any third party that is created. You are going to “leave it up to others in your party” to decide your candidates for you and you’ll eventually be back at this same place, except that creating a third party will also have divided our Republican party giving the Democrats a free ride to stay in control.

The quickest and best way to make a difference right now is to become involved at this level of the GOP and take our party back! It is through the caucus that we will take over the GOP--we are not going to fall in line with them but rather they are going to fall in line with us. There are tons of us out there, we can do this. We need you at the caucus. We need you as election judges. We need you to help take our party back right now!

I encourage everyone to make an effort to attend at least one caucus training event. Get an idea about what’s involved, and go from there. It’s a small price to pay to preserve our freedoms, liberties and our country. With that in mind, let us never forget…

“…the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." Abraham Lincoln