January 25, 2000

Republicans, Democrats in precinct 52
make choices at Windsor Heights school

By Chris Belts
CyberCaucus 2000 News Service
Drake University

DES MOINES, Iowa--For one day, Jan. 24, Iowa became the center of American politics.

"Well, somebody's got to do it, it might as well be us," said John Haskell, associate professional of politics and international relations at Drake University. Haskell, who nominated himself for secretary at the Republican caucus for the 52nd precinct in Windsor Heights, said Iowa plays a major role. "The effect is more people who do poorly have to drop out. That's the greatest effect," Haskell said.

At Windsor school, the 52nd precinct crammed both Republican and Democrat caucuses just a few rooms away from each other. The Republican caucus took place in a music room at 7 p.m., where five hours before children, kindergartners through fifth grade, sat.

Down the hall from the 89 Republicans, William Francois was awaiting the start of the Democratic caucus in the school auditorium. "I think it is a bit unfair to be first," Francois, a former professor of journalism at Drake, said. "I think it is an unfair system, it might be better to have a national primary. I think the fact that we go first gives us a chance to influence the rest of the nation."

Francois, sitting by himself halfway back from the stage in what looked like a wooden pew, said that time considerations stop some people with odd schedules from participating. Just as he was saying that there would be some upset baby-sitters waiting for some late parents to arrive home because of the slowness of the Democratic caucus, Francois looked up to see a line of people waiting to get in at 7:02 p.m.

Austin Perkins was trying to work the crowd. Perkins, an insurance salesman from Hartford, Conn., with a Bill Bradley sticker on his shirt, was feverishly trying to rally support for the former senator. "How are all the Gore people doing?" Perkins barked to all seated registered Democrats, after taking a break from greeting people at the door. "At the end of the day we are all friends again," Perkins said.

He was looking for people who were leaning toward Vice President Al Gore but had not ruled out support for Bradley--people such as Mary Ann Harpel. She said she could be persuaded to vote for Bradley. "I like them both, may the best man win," Harpel said. "I have listened to both of them."

Harpel disagreed with Francois and Haskell, saying that Iowa is representative of America and deserves all the impact it can muster. "I don't think we have an unfair advantage," Harpel said, who earlier spoke with a New York Times reporter. "We represent a cross-section of the United States. We represent a true American viewpoint."

Harpel said taking part in the caucus was important for Iowans. The caucus experience allows people to hear different arguments and make informed decisions, she said. "It is a civic duty," Harpel said.

At approximately 7:15 p.m., the Democratic caucus was still trying to get people split into Gore and Bradley groups, but the Republican caucus was under way. "Everyone should have received a ballot," Scott Shuman said. Shuman, who was the acting precinct chairman for the Republicans, seemed like he could have been the grandson of about half of the caucus members.

Any additional visitors to the music room were relegated to standing room only. One of the unlucky participants was Harry Hillaker, who was bouncing his 5-month-old daughter, while trying to listen to the caucus events. "It is your duty to have your say, otherwise democracy doesn't work," Hillaker said. Hillaker, who changed his vote from publisher Steve Forbes to conservative Alan Keyes, agreed with Harpel that exchanging points of view with fellow constituents helps broaden knowledge.

Across from Hillaker, Martel Poore leaned against a piano. "Grab that loser going down the hall!" Poore said to an unknown passer-by thought to be Democrat. While derogatory comments were made about the loud cheering heard down the hall at the Democrat caucus, custodian Paul Kampas stood in the hallway between both caucuses. Kampas, who works at different schools in the Des Moines school district, was frustrated that his 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. shift disallowed his participation in the caucuses. "I can understand that 99 percent of people work during the day," Kampas said. "It is kind of hard (to participate) when you work nights. I see the problem."

After John Haskell collected 89 ballots, representatives for each Republican candidate were called upon to watch the tabulation. Haskell called out the ballots during tabulation, which took place outside of the caucus. "We had a double-check system," Haskell said. "I had two people called tellers who volunteered to count. I handed each ballot to the first teller, she would say 'Bush,' made a check on her page, gave to the other teller and double-checked."

When Haskell re-entered the room, Shuman started announcing the results. The results had to be entered for state tabulation by cell phone. Shuman stood in front of a chalkboard and held the phone for all 89 participants to see. "Two pepperonis," Shuman joked as he just realized he had to re-dial. "Total votes for Mr. (Gary) Bauer -- six," Shuman said, as he pressed six on the number pad and held it for everyone to see that he didn't hit the wrong digit.

The Republican caucus sent three Bush delegates to the later county convention, with two alternates. One alternate supported Bauer, while the other supported Alan Keyes. "It wasn't made clear whether that meant they had to vote for Bush at the county meeting. It was generally confused," Haskell said.

The Bush delegates passed a motion that allowed only the Bush delegates to go to the convention, leaving the other two as alternates.

Haskell said the biggest problem inherent in caucuses is on the Democratic side, where voting is done publicly. Union representatives, who largely back Gore, keep tally on the voting, he said. "For working class people, who don't have a lot of options in life, who may be in factory jobs, the union stewards are there and (are) watching what they (workers) are doing, and they can't go against, because they have to vote publicly," Haskell said. "They're stuck."

"The union steward and your foreman is over there in the Gore camp, which they were, and there is no way you are going to buck that," Haskell said. "Are you a good soldier or not in the factory? I think there is no question -- there are all kinds of pressure."