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SALT LAKE CITY -- In a major show of grassroots politics, thousands of Utah Democrats and Republicans held their caucus meetings Tuesday night to decide which delegates to send to the state conventions.
This year, the Republican Party did things a little differently. In Salt Lake County, instead of holding caucuses in 900 homes, party members consolidated to 30 locations. Party leaders were hoping it brings out new people with varied opinions, and they got their wish.
A new system for Republicans pays off
"We're going to have a record number of new people, in my opinion," said Thomas Wright, chairman of the Salt Lake County Republican Party. "I think tonight will be the biggest night we've seen for adding people to the Republican Party.
First-time caucus attendants came out in full force. In all, 1,200 people showed up at the caucus held at West Jordan High School. The auditorium was overflowing with people; some had to stand, while others waited outside.
"I've become more angry with what's going on in the government. I feel like things are going the wrong direction," said first-time caucus attendee Hillari Bollard.
Terilyn Ross, also a first-time attendee, said, "I just want to understand the process and be able to have a knowledgeable voice."
The Democrats have been using this sort of system for the past four years with much success, although this year they had fewer people come out. House District 25 met at East High and had about 400 participants.
"This particular race is fairly important because of the retirement of Christine Johnson. We've had four good, qualified candidates who've filed for the race, and we're trying to sort out the party nomination," said Democratic caucus attendee Justin Miller.
Health care fight could encourage attendance
Some people said they were inspired to come for the first time because of Tuesday's signing of the health care reform measure.
Wright said the candidates have been busy recruiting people to show and get elected at those meetings.
"That's why it's more important than ever for the everyday citizen who hasn't been recruited by a candidate to go to their caucus meeting and run to be a delegate," Wright said. "If they allow the candidates to recruit and get their people elected as delegates, then ultimately the voice of that neighborhood has been taken away."
KSL News also heard that the caucus meeting in Layton was packed as well. A thousand people met there, but they were evacuated because the fire alarm went off.
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Story compiled with contributions from Nicole Gonzales, Randall Jeppesen and The Associated Press.
