Montezuma County Republicans gathered at 12 precincts throughout the county Tuesday night for the 2022 party caucus.
At precinct caucuses, political parties gather to nominate and elect delegates who attend the party’s general assembly. The Republicans’ is March 11 at the County Annex at 6 p.m.
At the general assembly, delegates vote which candidates make the June 28 primary ballot. It is possible to petition on to the primary ballot as well.
As Democrat President Joe Biden gave his State of the Union address, county Republicans met at firehouses, churches, schools and community centers to hear from Republican candidates and discuss changes.
“This country has taken a turn to the left, and we need to fix that,” said Terry Hinds, of the Precinct 10 caucus, held at the Catholic Community Center on Market Street.
Montezuma County has 12 precincts, up from 11 after redistricting. A maximum of 182 delegates can be chosen to vote at the general assembly.
About 15 people attended the Precinct 10 caucus, which chose 10 delegates to attend the general assembly, said co-chair Vickie Ragland. At Precinct 5, about 45 people attended, and 13 delegates and one alternate were chosen, said co-chair John Shriner.
“Caucuses are the grassroots process of the political process. It is a great way to get involved with your political party and learn about the issues,” Ragland said.
The final delegate tally for all precincts will be reported later this week.
Another purpose of the precinct caucuses is to elect two precinct co-chairs, who are nominated from the floor.
At Precinct 10, Vicki Ragland and Terry Hinds were voted in as co-chairs. At Precinct 5, Shriner and Ron Serabia were voted in as co-chairs.
During the caucus, Republican candidate letters are read, and resolutions may be introduced that get voted up the party chain for proposed legislation or for addition to the party platform.
“Hot topics for party resolutions this year are election integrity, preventing fraudulent voting machines, abortion controls and term limits,” said Montezuma County Republican Central Committee Chair Allen Maez.
In Montezuma County, there will be an election for sheriff, county commissioners in Districts 1 and 3, a clerk and recorder, a treasurer and assessor.
At the caucus, letters were read for District 1 incumbent commissioner candidate Jim Candelaria; District 1 commissioner challengers Liz Tozer and Tim Lanier; Sheriff Steve Nowlin; District 3 commissioner candidate Gerald Koppenhafer; County Treasurer Ellen Black and County Clerk Kim Percell.
Letters also were read for U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, who is running for reelection for the 3rd Congressional District, and for Shelli Shaw, candidate for Colorado House District 59, which represents the central, southern and eastern parts of Montezuma County.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com
This article will be updated Wednesday when more information is available.
