Cedar Rapids students hold mock caucus, Kucinich wins
Originally published by KCRG TV9
Cedar Rapids Students Hold Mock Caucus
Tuesday, January 13, 2004, 12:57:06 AM
The poll that counts is the one taking place next Monday when thousands of Iowans will attend the caucuses. Some of them may be the newest and youngest voters in Iowa.
Some students at Metro High School in Cedar Rapids have taken a close look at this year's caucuses. They've studied candidates and registered new voters. Monday, it was time to pick winners with a "mock" caucus.
If you go to a caucus meeting next Monday it won't be exactly like the mock caucus. For one, you probably won't see as many people in as small a space, but otherwise, it's a pretty good likeness.
Students grouped together by candidate and took a count. If your candidate didn't have enough support others would try to persuade you to join them.
When the dust cleared Ohio Congressman Dennis Kuchinich snapped up 60 percent of the "mock" delegates. Former Vermont Governor and Massachusetts Senator John Kerry ran second and third in the "mock" tallies.
Metro sophomore Jorel Robinson told TV9, “We made sure it was very realistic... so when they do go to the actual caucus... they'll know what they will experience.”
Metro junior Nick Nicbreden told TV9, “I think this will have an effect on metro students... they will get out and participate.”
For some participants from this was a warm up for the actual event. Caucus rules say you can register and attend if you turn 18 by the November 2nd election. So some here can do it for real next Monday.
Dennis Kucinich was the winner in Metro's "mock" caucus and he was also one of two candidates to visit the school and campaign.
There's another similarity with the real thing. A lot of Iowans will base their choices Monday on personal contact.
Alternative students from Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Clear Creek-Amana participated in Monday's "mock" caucus event.
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