 NATIONAL
ELECTION 2012
District
Democrats Meet 04/26/12 | District
GOP Convention 04/21/12
C-T Photo / Catherine Stortz Ripley
District GOP
Convention
Romney, Gingrich, Santorum one delegate each
04 23 12
C-T Photo / Catherine Stortz Ripley
CAPTION: Delegates to the 6th Congressional District Republican Convention gathered
at the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center Saturday to, in part, elect
delegates to the national convention. Representatives from 36 counties
(comprising the new reapportioned 6th district) were in attendance. The
district elected three delegates, one each for Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich
and Rick Santorum, to attend the national convention.
The 6th Congressional District Republican Convention was called to order
at 10 a.m. Saturday at Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center in Chillicothe, with one of the best delegate and alternate attendance
records in recent history. With 302 delegate positions available at the district level, 297 seats
were filled, representing the 36 counties now comprising the new expanded
district. "The Sixth Congressional District has grown since we last
met," said Matt Gerstner, 6th District GOP chairman, who provided the welcoming
comments to the crowd. "Our district now stretches from the Missouri River to the
Mississippi River. The 6th District is larger now than three
states."
Gerstner provided a special welcome to the newest counties from part of
the old 9th Congressional District. An estimated 600 people, in all, were
in attendance. "Many people in this room put in not days, not weeks,
but months of preparation for this event," he said.
"Whether here as a delegate, alternate or visitor, we have gathered for a common
purpose - elect a Republican as the next president of the United
States." After resounding applause, Gerstner continued his comments.
"Let us proceed in a united front from this moment through November to
ensure that our country will move in a positive direction under new
leadership in the White House," he said.
Following his remarks, the convention moved on with the roll call of
delegates and the appointment of alternates. (Delegates from Livingston
County attending were Mike Lair, Rusty Black, Mary Quinn, Louise
Reasoner, Nikky Norman, and Brian Murrell. The county's alternates were
Carrie Almond, Dave Akins, Ernie Akers, Robert Lewis, Steve Whitson and
Danny Perry). James Thomas, of Platte County, was elected chairman of the convention,
and Ben Wierzbicki, of Clay County, was elected secretary.
The 6th District Republican Convention was one of nine taking place
Saturday in Missouri to select delegates to the National Convention, as
well as nominate presidential electors. Statewide, a total of 12 delegates were
bound to Mitt Romney, seven delegates were bound to Rick Santorum, four delegates were bound to Ron
Paul and one delegate was bound to Newt Gingrich.
At the 6th District Convention, delegates elected were Jim Willis, of
Macon County, (Romney), Jim Rooney of Platte County (Gingrich), and Matt
Johnson, of Buchanan County (Santorum). Alternates elected were Missy
Roe, of Clay County (Santorum), Carrie Almond, of Livingston County (Romney), and Ben Wierzbicki, of Clay
County (Romney). The slate reflects geographical diversity, Thomas stated.
"We drew people from five different geographic areas and had a wild
card," he said. The slate included Clay County, Platte County,
Buchanan County, and also included representation from the old 6th District (which includes 20
counties), and someone from the 9th. "We did not want to just go and take everyone from one
county," Thomas said, noting that the selection was made
"so that everybody throughout the entire district felt
represented." He said the slate was comprised of dedicated volunteers
"who have been in the trenches and have worked very hard for the
party."
Two other slates - an all Ron Paul slate and a Santorum slate were also
presented, but defeated by a vote of the delegates.
Matt Gerstner, of Buchanan County, was chosen elector by the district
delegates.
The results are unofficial until the State GOP receives signed
documentation from each convention - a process which may take several
days to complete.
In addition to the delegates chosen throughout the state on Saturday,
there will be an additional 25 delegates who will be bound at the state
convention in June. The state chairman, national committeeman, and
national committeewoman will also serve as delegates. In all, Missouri
has 52 national delegates.
Louise Reasoner, chairman of the Livingston County GOP caucus, said she
was pleased with Saturday's convention. "Everything went
well," she said. "When I hear about all the dissention
across the state, we just don't see that up here. I am thankful for
that."
The convention lasted about 2-1/2 hours.
District Convention Chairman Thomas, who chaired the 2004 and 2008
district conventions, said he was equally pleased. "We had nearly perfect
attendance," he said. "It was exhausting, but everything went
relatively smoothly. "There are people who may not be happy, but they all came and had their
right to vote. They may not have had the votes to be successful, but did
get to vote." Thomas said one reason Saturday's convention had a large turnout was that
the delegates selected would not be bound by the result of the presidential preference primary election.
This year's process, compared to those in previous years, was that in
2004 and 2008, whoever was elected to attend the national convention was
obligated to vote for the winner of the presidential preference primary
election held earlier in the year. This time, the result of the presidential preference primary election does not
impact the national convention.
The new reapportioned 6th Congressional District now includes the
following 36 counties: Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Audrian, Buchanan,
Caldwell, Carroll, Chariton, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Daviess,
DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Jackson, Knox, Lewis, Linn, Livingston,
Macon, Marion, Mercer, Monroe, Nodaway, Pike, Platte, Putnam, Ralls,
Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby, Sullivan and Worth.
Livingston County Elects GOP Delegates
By Drew Van Dyke, C-T Writer
March 19, 2012
CAPTION: Jerry Norman collects ballots for Livingston County's delegates
for the Republican district and state conventions in he coming months
during last Saturday's GOP county caucus. Six of these delegates
(and six alternates) were selected at the meeting, and changes were made to the
party's platform.
C-T Photo / Drew Van Dyke
The Livingston County Republican Caucus was held on
Saturday on the third floor of the Livingston County Courthouse. The purpose of the caucus was to elect six delegates and six alternate
delegates for the District Six Republican Convention on April 21 (which
will be held at Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center in Chillicothe) and
for the Missouri State Republican Convention (held on June 2 in the Union Plaza
Hotel in Springfield, Missouri), as well as to discuss and make alterations to the
party's state platform. This appeared to be a surprise to several of the participants, who
expected the county to be picking a set GOP candidate to back at the
caucus.
Persons began arriving for the event shortly before 9 a.m. Saturday. They
had to bring valid photo identification and their voter registration card
to the caucus, in order to be admitted as an active participant. Prior
arrangements had the caucus taking place in the second floor courtroom of the building. However, at 9:50
a.m., it was announced that the session was being moved to the third floor
courtroom to accommodate the unexpectedly large crowd.
"Four years ago, we didn't have enough people show up for
delegates," said Louise Reasoner, who was later elected chair of the caucus event.
"It's wonderful to have such a turnout. Thank you so
much."
The caucus doors closed at 10 a.m. The event did not end until close to
1:40 p.m. "None of our delegates or alternates today will be bound to a candidate
until the state caucus," Reasoner said. She also explained that
Missouri had become a proportional primary state, in which delegates are awarded to
several different candidates per percentage of approval. Nikki Norman was elected secretary for the event.
Reasoner read the bylaws and process for delegate selection and caucusing
to the gathered crowd. Delegate numbers explained as one delegate awarded
per 700 votes cast in the prior presidential election. Because of
this, Livingston County was awarded six delegates of representation. She also
announced that the caucus event was announced three times in the
Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune, including on the front page.
Rusty Black was announced as the parliamentarian for the caucus, keeping
voting and discussion procedure in line. Volunteers and nominees from the floor for delegate candidates were asked
for. In all, 20 persons (17 volunteers and three nominees) were on the
"ballot" for the 12 spots. They included: Volunteers - Debbie
Hershberger, Mary Quinn, Carrie Almond (not present), Cliff Harlow (not present), Kathy Harlow (not present),
Brian Burrell, Patti Lewis, Steve Whitson, Robert Lewis, Kathy Devor, Mike Lair, Danny
Perry, Dave Akins, Sylvia Akins, Rusty Black, Ernie Akers, and Melissa
Perry.
PRESIDENTIAL
PRIMARY 02/07/12...
County Voters Pick
Obama, Santorum
CAPTION: Chairs were set up and the latest election results were being
posted at the Livingston County Courthouse Tuesday evening, as the ballots
came in and were counted. The only thing missing was interest in
Missouri's presidential primary election. The courthouse lobby typically
fills with people eager to see up-to-the-minute election returns; however,
the chairs remained mostly empty throughout the counting process. Totals
were counted just before 8 p.m. There was an overall 7.68 percent voter
turnout in the election.
C-T Photo / Catherine Stortz Ripley
02 08 12 CT
Livingston County voters
- at least the 7.7 percent who cast ballots in Tuesday's presidential preference
primary election - showed support for Barack Obama on the Democrat ticket and Rick Santorum on the
Republican ticket.
Most voters on Tuesday chose Republican ballots where 10 candidates, and
an uncommitted designation, were listed. Of the 737 ballots cast, 600
were Republican ballots. Rick Santorum garnered the most support, with
281 ballots cast in his favor. Mitt Romney received 181 votes, and Ron
Paul received 87 votes. Also on the GOP ballot were Herman Cain, who
received 6 votes; Michele Bachmann, who received 6 votes; Rick Perry, who
received 6 votes; Gary Johnson, with 2 votes; Jon Huntsman, with 2 votes;
and Michael J. Meehan, 1 vote. Keith Drummond received no votes. There
were 28 voters who chose uncommitted Republican ballots.
There were 116 Democrat ballots cast in Tuesday election, with Obama
receiving 116 votes in his favor (85 percent of the Democrat votes cast).
Randall Terry received 5 votes; John Wolfe, 4 votes; and Darcy G.
Richardson, 1 vote. There were 10 uncommitted Democrat votes cast.
One uncommitted Libertarian vote was cast, and none for Libertarian
candidate James Orland Ogle III.
No one voted on the Constitution Party ballot.
Livingston County's absentee voters gave Romney the most support, 27
votes, compared to Santorum's 12 votes. In all other voting precincts,
Santorum garnered the most votes on the Republican ballot. Obama took
the lead on the Democrat ballot in all precincts, including the absentee
ballot count.
Voter turnout in
Tuesday's election ranged from 4.4 percent in Chillicothe's 3rd Ward to 9.06 percent in the
Blue Mound/Monroe Townships voting precinct. The overall turnout was 7.68 percent (or 737 of the
9,599 of Livingston County's registered voters) casting ballots. Of the
total amount, there were 136 Democrat ballots, 600 Republican ballots, 1
Libertarian, and no Constitution party ballots.
Livingston County Clerk Sherry Parks had anticipated a higher turnout,
but said that overall, number would be low. She said she appreciated
those who did take part in the election. "We appreciate the people who voted,
and the election judges, for their work," she said.
Voter turnout by precinct:
- 1st Ward 114 ballots 6.9 percent
- 2nd Ward 64 ballots 4.5 percent
- 3rd Ward: 55 ballots 4.4 percent
- 4th Ward 104 ballots 8.7 percent
- Blue Mound/Monroe 52 ballots 9.1 percent
- Chillicothe/Rich Hill 86 ballots 7.0 percent
Precincts Counted (of 13) - 12 votes, 92.31%
Registered Voters - Total - 9,599
Ballots Cast - Total - 737
Voter Turnout - Total - 7.68%
Piglets Add Interest to
Otherwise Dull Election Day
02 08 12 CT
Photo by Bonnie Noah
 CAPTION:
Jackie Woodworth holds a newborn pig during idle time at the
Jackson/Sampsel voting precinct at the Mildred Litton 4-H and
FFA Community Center on Tuesday. Just 48 people cast ballots at that precinct
during the 13 hours the polls were open. Woodworth is a regular ag center
volunteer and helps students tend to their animals.
Knitting, working crossword puzzles, and reading books are
traditional ways for election judges to pass time on a slow Election Day. But, for judges in Jackson and Sampsel
townships, whose voting precincts were at the Mildred Litton 4-H and FFA Community Center, such diversions
may have paled somewhat in comparison to the lure of newborn pigs.
The polling place was immediately adjacent to the livestock area of the
center, where the pigs were born. One pig was born prior to the
judges' arrival at 5:15 Tuesday morning, and the others were born after the
judges had arrived. Three piglets were brought inside to stay warm
because their mother was having complications outside.
Livingston County Clerk Sherry Parks says that she encourages election
judges to bring things that occupy their time. "They get there at 5:15 and
can't leave until after 7 when the polls close," Parks said.
"They enjoy visiting with their neighbors, working on puzzles and
knitting... just things to help them pass the time."
Bonnie Noah, who has served as an election judge for many years, said that
she has read, crocheted, embroidered, and painted ceramics during down
times while working at the polls. Yesterday, though, she and other judges
enjoyed holding and/or watching the newborn pigs.
Polling was slow throughout the day and countywide with slightly less
than 8 percent of the county's registered voters casting ballots. In the
Jackson/Sampsel precinct, only 48 people cast ballots during the 13
hours that the polls were open. "The pigs made the day go amazingly
fast," she said. In addition to Noah and Woodworth, other judges were Becky Wisner and
Dixie Christison.
Each of the county's 12 polling places (including absentee) have at least
four election judges (two Democrat and two Republican), and some have
three from each political party. Their responsibilities are to open the
polling place, get the equipment set up and ready to go, verify the
voters are properly registered and have arrived at the proper precinct.
They are also available to offer assistance.
Parks said that she keeps judges on reserve to fill in if a judge
doesn't show up or if an emergency arises and a judge has to leave.
Voting
Day
02/07/12 CT
C-T Photo / Drew Van Dyke
02 07 12
It was voting day across Livingston County today (Tuesday), as the
Missouri edition of the 2012 Presidential Primaries hit the state. Voter
turnout was expected to wane, sticking at around the 20 percent mark,
according to Livingston County Clerk Sherry Parks. At Turning Point Church
(above) - the Second Ward polling locale - 17 voters had cast their
ballots by 9:03 a.m. The first voter came in at 6:06 a.m. The polls
opened at 6 a.m., and are to close at 7 p.m. Local results will be posted shortly
after 7 p.m. on the first floor of the Livingston County courthouse. The
final count is expected to be posted by 8:30 p.m. There were 79 absentee
ballots cast in Livingston County, Parks said.
Low Turnout
Expected
02 06 12
Voters going to the polls Tuesday will need to ask for a party ballot
before casting their vote: Democrat, Republican, Libertarian or Constitution.
A 20 percent voter turnout is expected at the polls tomorrow (Tuesday)
for the presidential primary election in Livingston County, according to
Livingston County Clerk Sherry Parks, who serves as the local election
authority.
Parks' prediction is slightly lower than the 23 percent which Missouri
Secretary of State Robin Carnahan has predicted statewide. Livingston
County posted a 32 percent turnout in the last presidential preference
primary, held in February 2008. In 2004, the turnout failed to reach even
10 percent.
Tuesday's election is expected to cost the state between $7 million and
$9 million, with the state fully funding the cost. Livingston
County's portion is expected to account for $40,000, which includes payment for
the election workers, rent, publication, programming, programming
maintenance, printing of supplies. "We are in an electronic age and we have to have a lot of electronic
equipment," Parks said. "All these things add up. This is a financial
burden on this state."
The secretary of state has encouraged people to vote in the primary,
although the results won't count for awarding delegates to the Republican
National Convention. The state Republican party has chosen to allot its
presidential delegates based on the results of caucuses that will begin in
mid-March. The Associated Press reports that under national party rules
intended to prevent a crush of early primaries, Missouri Republicans
could have risked losing half of their presidential delegates if they had used a
February primary to award delegates. Missouri law requires a presidential
primary to be held, but it does not require political parties to
use its results for awarding delegates.
In 2008's presidential preference primary in Livingston
County, there were more Democrat ballots cast than Republicans (1,584 Democrat
ballots cast compared to 1,255 Republican and three Libertarian ballots). Most
Democrat voters gave the nod to Hillary Clinton (948) while her rival, Barack Obama pocketed 550 Democrat
votes cast in the county. On the Republican side, John McCain received the most votes (488) from
Livingston County Republicans. However, he was closely followed by Mike
Huckabee, who earned 426 votes.
Candidates of
tomorrow's presidential preference primary ballot are as follows:
- Democrat - Barack Obama, Randall Terry, Darcy G. Richardson, and John Wolfe;
- Republican - Gary Johnson, Herman Cain, Mitt Romney, Michael J. Meehan,
Rick Perry, Keith Drummond, Jon Huntsman, Michele Bachmann, Rick
Santorum, and Ron Paul;
- Libertarian - James Orland Ogle
III;
- No names appear on the Constitution Party ballot.
Voters may choose for the candidate of their choice or for the party of
their choice. Voters will have to select a party ballot at the polls.
From there, they may choose to vote for an individual. Those who are not
ready to cast a ballot for a particular candidate may select to vote only
for the party, by choosing "uncommitted" on the party ballot.
 Voting
Machines Tested
C-T Photo / Drew Van Dyke
01 31 12
Livingston County Clerk Sherry Parks (middle) sought assistance in testing
the electronic voting submission machines on Tuesday morning. Louise Reasoner (right) submitted the ballots, while Gordon Smith (left) watched.
The polls will be open for the Missouri Presidential Preference Primary
Election on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. The Clerk's office will be open on Saturday,
February 4, from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. for absentee voting.
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