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elleng

(130,156 posts)
Wed Jan 20, 2016, 03:06 AM Jan 2016

O’Malley’s 2nd Choicers Could Swing The Caucus – Where Are They Going?

Where Will O’Malley Support Go?

'Let’s start out with who a typical O’Malley supporter in Iowa tends to be. They’re almost all former caucus-goers, many are activists and county party central committee members, some younger people and the issue-oriented crowd.

The O’Malley campaign actually did a rather good job early on of locking down important activists and building a loyal group of volunteers. Indeed, O’Malley’s core supporters have taken on a Biden-esque quality of loyalty – they committed early on and have steadfastly stuck with him even as he’s failed to gain traction. Unfortunately, the mass appeal for O’Malley never came through, and it was difficult to grow beyond their early numbers.

The reasons they were drawn to O’Malley, however, vary, and is why they may not move en masse to either Clinton or Sanders. Some back O’Malley because they like his executive experience and that he seems like a highly electable candidate for the general election. Those folks might lean toward similarities they see in Clinton. Others prefer O’Malley because he’s a fresh face and has promoted very progressive policies. And some chose him because they simply don’t like Clinton on a personal level. Those may chose Sanders’ corner.

“My second choice would definitely be Hillary,” said Lu Ann Pedrick of Urbandale. “But I think you’re going to see it all over the board … I think there’s going to be some people who just go with who they support if O’Malley was not in the race … Of the ones I’ve spoken to, they’re all leaning Hillary.”

“From my perspective, my second choice is Hillary Clinton by far,” noted Taylor Van De Krol of Jasper County, though he has so many O’Malley backers in his smaller rural precinct that he thinks O’Malley should win his precinct outright. “I think she is a valid candidate, she has the experience needed. I don’t think a President Sanders will be able to get anything done with a Republican Congress.”

Another precinct O’Malley is almost certain to score some delegates in is the Sherman Hill neighborhood precincts near downtown Des Moines, filled with apartments home to many political professionals (and where O’Malley himself played guitar for a crowd at Carl’s, the local dive bar). But an O’Malley volunteer there says he expects most of his friends there would go with Sanders otherwise. And in the two largest western Iowa counties, Starting Line hears most O’Malley backers are leaning toward Sanders as their second choice.

“I’ll be going with Sanders in the second round if O’Malley’s not viable in my precinct,” plans one county chairman in eastern Iowa. “I’m worried Clinton is too divisive for the general, and I like what Sanders is saying on Wall Street reform better anyway.”

“There are going to be some individuals who are anti-establishment and will go with Bernie,” added Van De Krol.

Most admit they don’t see an overwhelming shift to one candidate or the other.'

http://iowastartingline.com/2016/01/19/omalleys-2nd-choicers-could-swing-the-caucus-where-are-they-going/

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O’Malley’s 2nd Choicers Could Swing The Caucus – Where Are They Going? (Original Post) elleng Jan 2016 OP
There are over 1600 precincts in Iowa..and I will not caucus for anyone else Peacetrain Jan 2016 #1
Thank you for sharing this JustAnotherGen Jan 2016 #2
That is just me... I know many in the O'Malley camp locally Peacetrain Jan 2016 #3

Peacetrain

(22,836 posts)
1. There are over 1600 precincts in Iowa..and I will not caucus for anyone else
Wed Jan 20, 2016, 11:24 AM
Jan 2016

all will be caucusing basically.. sometimes there will be more than one precinct at a caucus ..but each will have its own precinct captain..

If Gov. O'Malley is not viable (at least 15%) in my caucus.. I will have to leave because I just do not know enough about the others positions to feel comfortable in caucusing for them..

JustAnotherGen

(31,683 posts)
2. Thank you for sharing this
Wed Jan 20, 2016, 12:13 PM
Jan 2016

NJ isn't up until June - if Martin is no longer in I'll be voting for Clinton.

But we are only NJ - we don't count really when it comes to primaries - only the GE.

Peacetrain

(22,836 posts)
3. That is just me... I know many in the O'Malley camp locally
Thu Jan 21, 2016, 08:56 AM
Jan 2016

and we all have different views on this..but there is a majority locally who favor someone if our main choice is not viable in what ever caucus we are in..And I will keep that one to myself.. Because I think we are going to be viable at my particular neighborhood caucus.. and get a delegate

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