King County Republican Caucuses Set for March 3

The King County Republican Party announced Friday that it will hold precinct caucuses at 10 a.m. March 3.

The caucuses will be “pooled” in central locations in legislative districts to try to lessen confusion over locations, according to a statement from the party. will once again serve as the Republican Party caucus site for all of Mercer Island's precincts.

County Republican Party Chair Lori Sotelo said the nominating process had inspired alot of passion and the contest for the Republican party nomination will likely be undecided when Washington Republicans hold their caucuses. Sotelo, who is also an Island resident, said she believed the contest between the remaining candidates — Mitt Romney, Ron Paul, Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich — would draw a high attendance.

"This is a really good conversation in the Republican Party between candidates with very different points of view, and talking about them now will be very good for our party," Sotelo said.

During last Presidential caucus in February 2008, about 200 local voters particpated, with four candidates still in the race: John McCain, Mike Huckabee, Paul and Romney. According to SeattlePi.com, McCain won the most support, and Romney the least.

The state Republican Party will use caucuses and conventions to gauge support for presidential candidates and elect delegates to the national convention in Tampa, FL. The local caucuses are part of a three-step process to elect delegates for Mercer Island Republicans.

Registration starts at 9 a.m. at most locations. Caucus-goers will have to show identification and proof of voter registration to participate.

To find your caucus location, visit http://www.kcgop.org/caucus-locator/ or call 425-990-0404.