According to the Republican Party of Iowa website:"The word caucus is a North American Indian word, thought to be of Algonquin origin, meaning a gathering of the ruling tribal chiefs. 
The Algonquin's may have invented the caucus, but I'm sure they wouldn't hold one on cold January night! I've been committed to Iowan politics long before I could vote. It was on a summer campaign stop when George W. was just introducing himself to the nation that I met a cherubic Governor Huckabee (that was before he lost over 100lbs!) I remember thinking, 'Nice guy, there's no way he can win!'
As the Huckabee signs began to appear in our neighbors lawns, I had the same laissez-faire support for the slimmer, likable candidate. During the past several months, we've had a chance to hear ALOT from the candidates and I've been pleasantly surprised to see the former pastor charm Iowans with sincerity, logic, and humor.
There are lots of perks that come with being the first in the nation state. We get so many candidates and press in a race like this that national news start interviewing the owners of Domino's pizza about their caucus prep! My parents, staunch Republican supporters, have started screening their calls as they've been getting as many as 15 political phone calls a day! Some with recorded messages over 3 minutes! Not to mention sitting through 3 to 7 political TV ads IN A ROW!
Cold or crowd I can't complain--It's always thrilling to be a part of history.
It's especially moving when you see the frightful fallout of elections in places like Kenya or Pakistan. Opposing political parties meeting in the same church or school, seems somewhat short of a miracle in light of the international alternatives that deserve our prayers.
I'm a proud Republican, although tonight I'm especially proud of Iowa (a statistically Caucasian state) voting for an African-American! (How do you like them apples!)
The most challenging part for me has been asking my husband (who's is not an American citizen) who he'd vote for--unfortunately he's more informed than most US born voters. Let's stand-up and be counted. If not tonight then when?
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