By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Buchanan and Andrew County Republicans prepare for their respective caucuses as Missouri switches from a presidential preference primary back to the caucus format.
Andrew County Republican Central Committee chair, Mark Schneider, says by the time the March 2nd Caucus rolls around, there likely will be only former President Donald Trump standing in the Republican presidential field. But he does expect backers of former UN Ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley to show up.
“Certainly, there are Haley supporters in each of our counties,” Schneider tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “You just have some people that are anti-Trump regardless and they may be Haley supporters.”
Schneider also serves as chair of the Republican 6th Congressional District.
Buchanan County Republican Central Committee chair, Steven Greiert, says county Republicans will gather at the Buchanan County Courthouse, with no oath required.
“If you check the blank, we’re going to hope that you’re telling the truth. No one registers by party anymore,” Greiert tells Birr. “So, therefore, we only know which people are residing in our respective counties and which people are registered voters. So, we’re hoping that the people will tell the truth.”
Schneider says Missouri had always held caucuses until 1988, when Democrats wanted a primary to help the presidential aspirations of St. Louis Congressman Richard Gephardt. Both Schneider and Greiert call the past primaries beauty contests. Even though the state had a presidential primary, delegates to the state and national convention were chosen by caucus.
Schneider says a caucus, as opposed to a primary, brings out committed party members.
“It motivates the people who are truly informed and truly want to participate in the political process,” according to Schneider. “This is the basic, grass roots political activity. It all starts right here at the county level, and then moves up to the district level, and then on to the state convention.”
All Missouri Republican Caucus meetings will begin at 10am on Saturday, March 2nd. The meetings must wrap up by two that afternoon so results can be sent to state party officials to be reported by 5pm.
Buchanan County Republicans will caucus in the courtroom of Judge Patrick Robb at the Buchanan County Courthouse in St. Joseph. Andrew County Republicans will caucus at the Andrew County Courthouse in Savannah.
For more information from Buchanan County Republicans click HERE.
For more information from Andrew County Republicans click HERE.
You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.