Caucus-Goers Show Up in Delaware County
Trump Wins with Republicans Locally and Statewide
Delaware County Republican Caucus
After months of planning, political ads and campaign stops, Caucus night was finally here.
That’s Delaware County Republican Co-Chair Terry Griffith – and he was right. More than five hundred Republicans gathered at West Delaware High School in Manchester on a frigid Monday night to vote in the presidential straw poll – taking their ‘first in the nation’ status seriously.
T-shirts, yard signs and pins showing support for the various Republican presidential candidates were lined up on tables as county residents filled the old upper gym, with representatives of each candidate getting an opportunity to talk to the crowd before they cast their vote. Hopkinton area resident Tristan Miles was there showing his support for Vivek Ramaswamy.
Meanwhile, Griffith was wearing his Ron DeSantis t-shirt and cap – hoping he’d do well with the Caucus vote.
And he’s not alone. State Senator Dan Zumbach of Ryan is endorsing DeSantis for president during what will be a big election year in 2024.
And there were a number of people who showed up to caucus for the very first time. Seventeen-year old George Livingston, a senior at Maquoketa Valley High School, says he felt it was important to take part in the process.
So who got his vote?
Trump was the favorite among Delaware County Republicans on Monday night, winning the Caucus by a large margin. Delaware County Republican Co-Chair Roger Helmrichs breaks down the results:
Helmrichs says the turnout of 525 people wasn’t quite a record – back in 2016, over 800 showed up for Delaware County’s Republican Caucus – but it was still impressive, especially considering the sub-zero temperatures.
Delaware County Democratic Caucus
Meanwhile a few blocks away, the Delaware Countya Democratic Caucus was taking place at Lambert Elementary in Manchester.
Eighteen people turned out to participate. Democrats Co-Chair Carol Hennessy says the winter weather did create an issue with attendance.
Fellow co-chair Nancy Henkenius says without choosing a presidential preference Monday night, the business of the caucus was expected to be easier.
With the presidential preference conducted by mail, Hennessy felt it will ultimately provide better input.
Caucus-goer Rodney Schreck explains why he braved the weather to come out.
Schreck talks about why he aligns with the Democrats.
Republican Caucus story, audio and photos courtesy of Janelle Tucker/KMCH
Democratic Caucus story and audio courtesy of Eric Walker/KMCH
