Source: Erika Imbody, 785-532-7252, erika@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Megan Wilson, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu
Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007
K-STATE'S INSTITUTE FOR CIVIC DISCOURSE AND DEMOCRACY TO HOST NATIONAL PRESIDENTIAL CAUCUS FRIDAY, DEC. 7
MANHATTAN -- The Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy at Kansas State University will host a National Presidential Caucus from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, in the K-State Student Union.
The institute has partnered with the National Presidential Caucus to create an alternative to the first presidential caucus, which will take place in Iowa in January 2008. The caucus at K-State is a locally organized meeting designed to allow the public a chance to discuss all candidates and issues before the start of the primary process.
"We are very pleased to have the Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy serve as a host site for a National Presidential Caucus," said David Procter, institute director. "The institute is committed to giving political voice to all citizens. This national caucus is an excellent way for the presidential candidates and media to hear what is on the mind of Kansans."
Participants can choose to take part in either a Republican or Democratic caucus; party registration is not required for participation. At the end of the caucus, the institute will report data gathered to the National Presidential Caucus. The national group will compile the data from the other caucuses across the country. Results will be organized at the caucus, state and national level and will be available for review.
"'Iowa is listening' is the unstated theme of the event," said Kara Dillard, graduate student in sociology, Manhattan. Dillard, a research assistant for the Institute of Civic Discourse and Democracy, is helping to organize the event.
"The Iowa Caucuses have been the primary indicator in past years of determining the social issues and leading presidential candidates," Dillard said. "Here is Kansas' chance to influence Iowa Caucus voters by discussing items that are important to us. Iowa is listening to what we have to say and we have a chance to determine the course of the political process before it officially begins."
Registration for the caucus is free and open to the public. Those wishing to participate can register online at http://www.k-state.edu/icdd or at the door on the night of the event.