Caucus has a sweet tooth

If the only thing Republicans and Democrats argued about was which candy is the best of all time, today’s political discourse may be more palatable.

Knowing that the Iowa caucusing processes for both major parties can seem complicated, the League of Women Voters of Jasper County organized a fun and nonpartisan way to educate constituents Tuesday night by substituting candy for candidates.

The inaugural ABCs of Caucusing debuted at DMACC Newton Campus with about 60 people in attendance, all of which chose between three “candy”dates: Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Snickers.

These selections of popular candy bars represented the Democratic caucus process, which was a tad more complicated and required more math. Conversely, the Republican caucus, whose candidates were represented by Peanut M&Ms and Milky Ways, was seemingly more cut and dry.

However, both processes had their fair share of complications.

As such, Jasper County Republican Party Chair Thad Nearmyer and Rep. Wes Breckenridge, D-Newton — both of which provided step-by-step instructions to attendees —
received several questions throughout the event.

Before voters made their final decision on the Democratic process and stood by signs naming their favorite candidate, the captains of all three candies had a few seconds to campaign or argue for their respective candidates.

Bri Dennison, a district representative of Congressman Dave Loebsack, said, "So you guys all know Hershey's. We have all grown up with Hershey's. We know it is reliable. It is is least likely to melt in a warm pocket. It is delicious! We know that it is trustworthy and clearly the nominee for our next president of the United States."

Rachelle Tipton, a member of the League of Women Voters of Jasper County, said, “Well I hope you all join for me Reese’s because, of course, you want that peanut buttery goodness, right? It’s not just about chocolate — it’s about the chocolate and the peanut butter coming together and just making that wonderful taste in your mouth.”

Bonnie Pitz, the president of the League of Women Voters of Jasper County, said, “Sometimes you just don’t feel right. You’ve all seen that commercial. you just need a Snickers to bring you up. You got those peanuts for the protein, you got the chocolate, you have the gooey party. What more could you want? Vote Snickers!”

Members of the Jasper County League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan group dedicated to informing constituents, wanted an event that that was easy to understand but fun to participate in at the same time.

Pitz has been active with the League for about 20 years and said an event like this is fairly new for the group.

“This is League 101 — this is getting information out into the public so they can make a decision about attending or feeling comfortable,” she said.

Caucusing, she described, is the way for Iowa constituents to choose which presidential candidate they support. Organizing a event that helps empower voters of all parties and spread interest in elections is what the League of Women Voters is all about.

"This is what we want to do," she said. "I'm really pleased with the turnout of the activities tonight."

To learn more information about the caucuses, visit www.IowaGOP.org/caucuses or www.IowaDemocrats.org/2020-caucuses.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com