Dear Editor:

Colorado's Republican caucus will be on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. The full list of caucus locations is available at www.deltacounty.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=168.

The sites have been published in local newspapers and the list is also obtainable at the courthouse.

Several important events will occur at this year's caucus:

1. A straw poll will be taken for president to determine which candidate Colorado favors to run against Barack Obama in the 2012 presidential election. This vote is non-binding. The results will be tallied and reported to the national media.

2. Two individuals will be elected from each precinct to represent it on the Delta County Republican Central Committee. These are two-year terms. It's important that committee persons are dedicated to the party.

3. Delegates will be selected for the party's county, state legislative, and congressional assemblies, along with delegates for the state convention. Delegates are not required to commit to vote for a particular candidate; however some delegates may indicate who they support. These delegates are known as "committed delegates."

It is important you attend your precinct caucus. The entire gathering should last about an hour and a half. It will also be a good opportunity to see old friends and neighbors while participating in the political process.

Bruce Hovde

Delta County

Commissioner

Cedaredge