Focus on Kansas Republican Caucus
Originally published 01:47 p.m., February 8, 2008
Updated 12:00 p.m., February 9, 2008
Update: Noon, Saturday
The Kansas Republican Caucus in Shawnee County wrapped up shortly before 11 a.m. Saturday. Every seat inside the Kansas Expocentre's Heritage Hall was full, leaving standing room only. Another room had to be opened up just to accommodate everyone.
Voters who were decided on a candidate waited in long lines to cast their ballot, while others patiently waited to hear the speakers representing each of the candidates. That includes U.S. Senator Sam Brownback, a former presidential candidate, who endorsed John McCain.
Supporters of McCain, Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul showed their support by showing signs, wearing stickers and handing out information. Many participants were first time caucus-goers. The Kansas Republican Party will release results from today's caucus at 2 p.m. Look for results on the right side of our Home page or tune in tonight to 49 News at 10.
Update: 11 a.m., Saturday
The Kansas Republican Caucuses got under way this morning. At one of the sites - Blue Valley Northwest High School - lines were long with people registering. But the process was running smoothly. Kansas Republicans are holding presidential caucuses to allocate 36 of the state's 39 delegates to the national convention. In Shawnee County, doors opened at 9 a.m.
Source: The Associated Press
Republican presidential hopefuls are focusing on Kansas and Washington, the only states holding caucuses Saturday.
Candidates Ron Paul, John McCain and Mike Hukabee have political ads running in Kansas. McCain made campaign stops in Wichita today and Huckabee toured the state, making a stop in Topeka this afternoon.
Kansas has suddenly become very important for Republican candidates, as the caucus could impact how the race for president turns out.
Caucuses were planned for 67 sites to determine how the candidates would split 36 of the state's 39 delegates to the Republican National Convention in September in Minneapolis. The rules were designed to see that one candidate captured 30 or more, but it was possible that 24 still could go to the convention uncommitted.
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Caucus on despite exit of Romney
Had Kansas Republicans held their caucus on Super Tuesday, as Kansas Democrats did, much less attention would be placed on it, said Christian Morgan, Kansas Republican Party executive director.
“We wanted to stand out at least for a few days on the national scene and get a little attention from the presidential candidates,” Morgan said.
The state will get a lot of attention now that candidate Mitt Romney has dropped out of the race. Loren Smith, 49 News political analyst, said the Kansas race will be hot as many conservatives in Kansas choose a replacement candidate.
Saturday's caucuses are the first since Romney dropped out. Kansans could help determine whether Huckabee has the momentum to be a viable competitor against front-runner McCain.
“You have that uncertainty, will they go for McCain, or will they go for Huckabee?” Smith said. “That's newsworthy and that's enough to bring attention to the Kansas caucuses.”
Caucus info
Caucuses will be held all across Kansas. You can find your caucus location at KSGOPCaucus.org. The Republican Caucus begins at 10 a.m. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. in all counties except Johnson, Sedgwick and Shawnee, where check-in begins at 9 a.m.
We’ll have caucus results posted on our website as they come in, as well as a complete recap on KTKA 49 ABC News at 10 Saturday.
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