It's official

[_bcspace]

I wish I could tell you it's the birth of my first grandchild (a girl); my daughter is due any day.

But instead, I have voted in a party caucus for the very first time (I have always voted in general and other elections).

Each candidate is allowed to have a representative come and speak on their behalf for a few minutes. Only Paul and Romney had one for our county. Nothing was said that you haven't heard before from either candidate. The Paul supporters waved their signs during the Romney speech but were not actually disruptive.

Then we were to vote in rounds until one candidate is finally selected. Any candidate in a round with less than 15% of the vote is eliminated for the next round. As soon as a round had a candidate with at least 50% of the vote plus one, that candidate would be declared the winner and would get half a delegate. State delegates do not have to vote for the candidate selected by the counties they are representing just like the electoral college, but of course the candidates' representatives in a county chooses who will represent.

We were each given a small metal counter to drop into the box of the candidate of our choice. After each round, the counters were to be run through a mechanical counter and the vote tallied in about 5 minutes.

The Paul supporters were louder than their actual numbers indicated and it caused me to think there was a small possibility we'd have to go through two rounds.

Round 1

Roemer 0
Gingrich 4
Santorum 29
Paul 105
Romney 856

Only one round and then we went home after refreshments.

[_Drifting]

Good luck with your grandchild, hope it all goes well for your daughter bc.

[_Yoda]

Congratulations to your daughter, and to you, almost Grandpa!

[_Buffalo]

Congrats on nearly being a granddad!

[_Dr. Shades]

Who is "Roemer?"

[_bcspace]

"Buddy" Roemer of Louisiana. He actually dropped out of the GOP race in Feb. He never was high enough in any poll to be invited to the debates. I think he's running for the Reform Party now.

[_moksha]

Bc, congratulations on near Grandfatherhood. Let's make a point of writing in the name of the baby come November.

[_bcspace]

November?

Mercedes was born to my daughter and her husband March 8 at 2:07 A.M. 7 lbs 8oz. 20 in. Beautiful, very healthy, etc. My first grandchild. One down 48 to go (If my seven children each have seven children).

Don't feel any different other than a feeling that I have fulfilled the "first and great commandment"; to multiply and replenish the earth. Have no fear, all seem to be tax-paying conservative-voting economy-contributing citizens of the USA so far.

Was nice to be able to dote on her and not have to take her home. Seven is a good round number.

[_Morley]

My hearty congratulations, Brian. May you be blessed with many more.

[_Bond James Bond]

Congrats!