The Libertarian Party of Iowa applauds the intent of Caucus 101 to engage Iowa’s students in the selection process used by political parties to nominate candidates. However, there are political parties that do not utilize the caucus/primary system in nominating their candidates. These other approaches are just as important as the methods used by the Republicans and Democrats. As such, Caucus 101, a seven-part program designed for use in Iowa schools and supported by Secretary of State Paul Pate, should have an option for students to learn about and experience other methods of selection.
The Libertarian Party will select its presidential nominee at the national convention in Orlando, Florida, May 27-30, 2016. Iowa’s delegates to the national convention will be selected at the State Convention on March 19, 2016. A preference poll to help guide the delegates in the casting of their votes will be conducted at the state convention. It may not have the press coverage that will be given to events on the evening of February 1, 2016, but the Libertarian Party offers just as many opportunities for Iowans to participate and to express their preferences.
As the product of publicly-funded schools with the official support of the Secretary of State, Caucus 101 should educate students on more than two political parties. With many opinion polls indicating Iowans wanting a change in Washington, D.C., more voters and students should have the opportunity to learn that there are more choices than they would know about simply by going to school.
