Democratic Caucus Participation Down, Passion Remains High

Coordinator Joyce Clark expected “about 200” people at Sunday’s 37^th Legislative District Democratic Caucus at Renton High School. Instead, the crowd maxed out at 12, including Clark.

Attendance this year was in stark contrast to the 2008 caucus, which was “standing room only,” said caucus participant Kal Lambert.

Clark cited African American Day and the warm, sunny weather as possible reasons for low attendance.

The drop in participation, however, was not a reflection of the passion for President Barack Obama.

Social Security topped the issues of concern in the room, as did health care.

“Keep your hands off my Medicare,” said Sara Canning, who is also an active member of AARP.

Although the caucus had hoped to choose 13 delegates to represent the 13 precincts represented in the room, the group ended up with nine delegates.

“The real disappointment is that four were a complete wash,” said Lambert in reference to the four districts that will forgo representation because there were not enough people who participated in the caucus.

Precinct caucuses experienced light attendance throughout the region: Bellevue Patch reported that about 20 people turned out at Enatai Elementary;  Lakewood Patch reported that ”about 50 people are at Clover Park Technical College” in Lakewood; and Woodinville Patch reported that of the “18 precincts here at Leota (Junior High), more than half have no representation.”

Did you participate in a Democratic caucus? Share your thoughts in the comments section below, or send a letter to the editor to jenny.manning@patch.com.

All 14 Washington state Patch sites coverd today's caucus live.