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So what are the dos and don'ts at caucus sites? People are wondering, so the party sent out a couple of memos, including some re-jiggered rules for the at-large precincts. I have obtained both memos:
MEMORANDUM
TO: All presidential campaigns
FROM: Travis Brock, Jayson Sime
DATE: January 17, 2008
RE: Caucus Location rules of engagement
The NSDP has received a number of inquiries and phone calls from Nevada residents and presidential campaigns regarding possible disruption at Caucus locations. Included in this memo is information contained in The Nevada State Democratic Party Caucus Guide which is our official caucus guide. In addition to this information, further rules of engagement for conduct at caucus locations are listed below.
1) First, please be respectful of Nevada’s caucus participants. Participants have the right to caucus freely and without intimidation at their precinct caucuses. Any obstruction of this right is a violation of Voter Rights and can be construed as harassment and intimidation. The NSDP will pursue appropriate avenues should we determine voters are being harassed, bothered and otherwise encumbered from full and free participation in their caucus.
2) While most caucus locations are being held on public property, the NSDP has full authority to operate the precinct caucuses in a way which allows participants to freely caucus. This means that disruptive campaign displays such as loud cheering, signage, bullying or other actions which can make caucus goers uncomfortable will not be tolerated inside the locations. The NSDP will remove anyone we feel is encumbering a caucus goer’s right to freely participate in their precinct caucus. And, as directed in meetings with campaign representatives and NSDP Caucus Temporary Chair trainings, NO CAMPAIGN SIGNS are allowed inside a caucus location other than the ones put up by the Temporary Chair to denote preference group sections.
3) In general, the NSDP has trained Temporary Chairs to remove anyone who is disrupting the caucus process. At private properties it is also up to the discretion of the property holder. We have been strictly advised that this activity will not be allowed in At Large precincts on Strip properties.
EXCERPT FROM “THE NEVADA STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTY CAUCUS GUIDE”:
Observers at the Caucus
Nevada’s new historic opportunity in the nomination process brings with it a tremendous responsibility to provide information and access to the entire nation. Because precinct caucuses are open meetings, others have been invited to attend as observers. We have a responsibility to welcome these guests and give them an opportunity to fully observe Nevada’s new process. Each Democratic precinct caucus in Nevada should be prepared to have at least one representative from a news organization. Some precinct caucuses will be visited by camera crews during the caucus, a few will be carried live and in their entirety by a national news organization. News organizations serve as the eyes and ears for the nation. We have an additional responsibility to help them do their jobs.
There are rules that must be followed by observers at the precinct caucus. The Temporary Chair is obligated to inform observers of these rules:
• Only eligible, registered caucus participants may participate on caucus matters or elections.
• The Temporary Chair will ask that all observers be in an area other than that reserved for the eligible caucus participants.
• Observers must remain quiet and not become involved in caucus discussions once the caucus is called to order.
• Eligible caucus participants are to be considered actively participating in the caucus from the time it is convened until it is adjourned. It is not appropriate for a reporter to interview a caucus participant while the caucus is in session.
• Campaign Staff and campaign volunteers that are observers will not be allowed to communicate, signal, or instruct the eligible caucus participants once the caucus is called to order by the Temporary Chair.
• All facilities at the caucus have been reserved for the caucus attendees and the Nevada State Democratic Party. The Temporary Chair, as an officer of the Nevada State Democratic Party, has first right to these facilities. The phone at a caucus site (if there is one at the site) must be available to the Temporary Chair whenever he or she requests it.
• Broadcast equipment at a caucus must be set up and used in a way that will not hinder or obstruct the participation of any caucus attendee.
In the event of persistent violations of these rules, the Temporary Chair may ask the disruptive person(s) to leave. IF THAT DOES NOT WORK CALL YOUR LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT. Do not call 911 unless there is a life threatening emergency.
Summary:
Let us not forget we are the Democratic Party. Democrats do not intimidate voters, harass or use tactics which would make a voter uncomfortable and not able to freely exercise their right to vote. This pertains to the voting booth and to caucus locations. We recognize that tensions are high, but implore presidential campaigns and other observers to act civilly and respectful of Nevadans who are participating in their precinct caucus.
MEMORANDUM
TO: All campaigns
FROM: Jayson Sime, Jean Hessburg - NSDP
RE: At Large Precinct campaign observers
In response to campaign requests that the NSDP allow more campaign observers per At Large site, we are allowing an increase in credentialed campaign observers for each campaign. Previously, we had allowed (2) campaign observers per campaign per At Large site. In response to campaign’s concerns, we are raising that cap to (10) observers --- space permitting -- per campaign.
Please keep in mind, our At Large sites are on private properties and have a limited capacity to handle caucus goers. Room capacities are limited by the Fire Marshall, so our priorities will be for caucus participants if we are over capacity.
Should it be a choice between allowing (10) credentialed campaign observers per site, and allowing additional people to caucus, we will choose the latter. Should we run out of room for caucus goers, we will make additional room by equally removing (1) observer from each campaign at a time to make room until we reach (2) final observes per campaign. Campaigns will, at all times, no matter room capacity, be allowed, AT MINIMUM (2) observers.
Again, the NSDP is increasing the allowance of credentialed campaign observers to (10) per At Large site per campaign. Should the NSDP caucus site run out of room, we will begin to remove credentialed campaign observers (1) per each campaign with a MINIMUM left of (2) credentialed campaign observers per site.
It would be helpful, but not required, if each campaign submits their list of credentialed campaign observers ahead of time to Bill Buck at Billbuck88@gmail.com. Again, this is not required, but may speed up credentialing and overall registration issues.
Thank you for your cooperation.
GO HILLARY/EDWARDS!
NO BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA!!!!!!!!!
CAUCUS FOR BARACK OBAMA... the right choice for the times.
si,se puede...Si, Se. Puede...SI, SE PUEDE!!!!!
SKIP THE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS! VOTE FOR LIBERTY, VOTE FOR RON PAUL!
Immediate withdrawal from Iraq, repeal of the Patriot Act, and pro-individual liberty and privacy. End the Fed devaluation of the dollar, and, by the way, the only Republican to oppose the Yucca nuclear waste dump. VOTE FOR THE HERO, NOT THE ZEROS, VOTE REPUBLICAN, VOTE RON PAUL!!
VOTE OBAMA!!
NO TO HILLARY DIANE RODHAM CLINTON, NO TO FOUR MORE YEARS OF BUSH, BILL, MONICA, AND TRIANGULATION!!
...
signed,
concerned citizen
What I regret about these recent weeks of dirty politics, is that Barack Obama, through no fault of his own, has been painted, in lurid colors, by the Clinton's(cause let's face it, Bill is running with Hillary this time:)) into a person he is really not. It's obvious that many people didn't know about Obama before this election heated up.
I'm not trying to sway anyone's vote, because we are all going to vote the way according to our own reason. All these heated exchanges and bare naked attempts to appeal to each other's emotions for the benefit of our chosen candidate is not likely to change our minds.But with that said, and no matter if Hillary winds up destroying Barack, or if magically people wind up supporting him in wild numbers again, Barack Obama has honestly led a remarkable political life, and has largely worked toward helping the poor, fighting corporate power, and working to improve health care.
Now, you may be skeptical of that, given all the press coverage and rumors that have been floating around, but it really is true. Read Time Magazines article - http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/...
Time's article is clear and concise, but if you'd rather read just a listing of facts on Obama, read the Wikipedia Encyclopedia entry on him: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obam... --
Barack has lived a fairly noble life, as far as politicians go. So I just don't think it's fair the way the media, and the Clinton's are trying destroy his image. he's lead a good life, and honestly believes in the idea that our government would better if we'd minimize bipartisanship polarization. He's one of our better politicians, and even if he doesn't win, he's still going to keep fighting for the common good.
PLEASE, NEVADA - OBAMA IS OUR COUNTRY'S ONLY CHANCE!
NO MORE BUSH/CLINTON WARS, CORPORATE-BACKED CAMPAIGNS AND LIES!
YES, WE CAN!
Here's a question that Hillary Clinton's supporters cant answer. Why is it that so many high level politicians have given their backing to Obama.
Why is it that John Kerry, Senior Sen. Patrick Leahy, and even Ted Sorenson, President Kennedy's Special Counsel & Adviser, and primary speech writer-- the same guy who wrote "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country", all support and have endorsed Obama? Why is it that Al Gore is rumored to soon support Obama as well.
Do you think these seasoned political vets, with numerous years of experience under their belt, and with reputations to protect, would endorse Obama if they did not have good reason? Do you think they would just blindly choose Obama, without seriously scrutinizing his past and his record?
If you do, then you really need to turn off CNN and start reading more.
And why did these same figures not support Hillary. if Hillary is such a great candidate, such a great leader, if she is so about change, if she has so much experience, then why wouldn't they endorse her. Hasn't she been a US senator longer, and worked closely for longer with many of these people?
If you want to know why, then why not watch them explain in their own words. I think your eyes will be opened up -- http://youtube.com/watch?v=ReDCmk2c2g8
Romney is in Nevada today and will be in Nevada tomorrow. He is the only candidate who has spent time and cares about Nevada. Caucus for Romney tomorrow and help save America's economy and stop illegal immigration. Best of luck Romney and Ann.
Romney is about as truly conservative as the Clintons are truly liberal. What he's saying (& they're saying)is just for political expediency.
There's excellent coverage of the US prez campaign on The Guardian, a progressive but fair Brit newspaper, the largest in England. Here's an excellent, unbiased and insightful column today:
http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/rich...
They really have a good objective and historical perspective since they're not emotionally involved.
Important is that they compare this primary to the Democrats close primary in 1984- Walter Mondale, former VP and Gary Hart, a progressive Senator from Colorado. Hart was a young new honest face and won many states but Mondale pulled out the nomination (on the basis of experience and party ties). Mondale lost 49 out of 50 states, the worst Democratic defeat in history.
There's also another article on Mayor Bloomberg that makes clear that he's waiting to see if either Obama is nominated by the Democrats or McCain by the Republicans. If neither is then he's definitely in and will spend at least $1 Billion of his $20 Billion to guarantee that he gets elected. ( By comparison Ross Perot spent $35 million, chump change even then.)
Emotions aside, it's a safe bet the next president will be Obama, McCain, or Bloomberg.
Great Video!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIiBkFxqk...
JCJCD - stop spreading your propaganda videos on youtube!
You have been uploading hundreds of videos and have DISABLED the comments and ratings on them because you don't want users to post the reality on your videos!!!!
YOU ARE NOTHING BUT DIRTY! Your smearing tactics are very deceitful and we will get you REMOVED from YOUTUBE for your propaganda and dirty smearing attacks. You are as DIRTY as the party you're campaigning for, the Clintons.
SHAME ON YOU for posting hundreds of videos!! People are catching on to what the Clinton campaign has been up to... Smear campaigns and dirty attacks.
Everyone realizes how dirty the Clinton camp is. SHAME on you jcjcd! Everyone who's against his nasty actions and attacks, complain to YouTube and have jcjcd's videos removed! Be a man and allow people to be able to respond to your videos instead of hiding. You know the truth hurts and you just want to suppress the American people's say! Time to take action against jcjcd!!!