Never underestimate the ability of Republicans to let loose with both barrels directly into their own foot!
Missouri’s February primary, won by Rick Santorum, was a non-binding beauty contest. Delegates are to be awarded this year through the caucus process, and the St Charles County Caucus was to be held today, March 17.
The Caucus meeting was NEVER brought to order.
Standing rules established by the Central Committee included the prohibition of cameras, video or sound recording. This did not sit well with the caucus goers.
One particular individual protested the demand to put away his camera. Central Committee Chairman, Eugene Dokes refused to gavel the meeting to order until the camera was put away.
Caucusgoers sided, quite vocally, with the cameraman! And at that moment Stokes lost control of the caucus! Rather than address the question, perhaps calling the meeting to order and entertaining a motion and a vote on the subject, Dokes dug in his heels. Police were called. Threats of eviction and arrest were made. The caucusgoers became further disaffected, beligerant and resentful.
The venue was booked only till 1:00PM and at 11:30 the meeting still hadn’t been gaveled to order. After amassing what appeared to be nearly the entire St Charles County police department on site, including a circling helicopter, Dokes singlehandedly appointed a chairman of the caucus and other officers – without a vote. This again raised objection from the floor.
After handing the gavel to now appointed Caucus Chair Matt Ehlen, Mr Ehlen called for a motion to adjourn. This was seconded by one of Dokes’ appointees, and the caucus was adjourned over the loud objection of the floor.
No business was conducted. No delegates were selected. Attendees were threatened with arrest for trespassing if they did not immediately vacate the premises. The entire affair was a comedy of mismanagement.
Whatever the results of the Missouri caucuses statewide are, they will have been tainted and skewed by the lack of representation from the largest contingent of Republicans in the state.
If establishment Republicans wonder why the support from the grassroots is waning, the blatent disregard for those who vote them into office and to whom they should be answerable, as exhibited in this circus of a “caucus”, should be ample answer for them!
