Iowa Caucuses

This is my first time in Iowa during caucus season. It's been interesting to be here for many reasons. In years past, I've always taken interest in the Iowa caucus because of our connection here and wondered how Iowa could select one candidate over what seemed like an obvious other. This year, I still feel like part observer, part participant. Between work and the kids, I have not made it to any campaign events, but have field multitudes of calls from all the campaigns. We've even been lucky enough to have most of the democratic contenders come right through Mt Vernon. One reason why I think Iowa is a great state to be "first in the nation" is that it's an "approachable" state. I've always thought that Iowans that I have met are some of the most open-minded, accepting people I've met. After living here over a year, I haven't changed my mind. There's just this sort of culture that let's people be who they are and still fit in. As a result, Iowans tend to look at the facts. We don't get caught up in dazzle or idle chit-chat, we evaluate and consider and change our minds. The other thing that makes Iowa approachable is that you can cross the state in a few hours. Candidates makes stops in 3-5 cities in a day. And these are cities that are geographically apart, each with their own subculture and issues. Anyway, I hope Iowa keeps its "first" status. I do plan to caucus this year. I've done my research. And I hope that the next time around, I'll be able to meet more of the candidates and be less of an observer.