The Republican and Democratic parties both held election caucuses in Dolores on Tuesday.
Leaders for both camps reported far less participation compared with the 2016 presidential election caucus.
About 33 Republicans in Precinct 2, representing Dolores, met at the Ponderosa Restaurant. They voted to send 17 delegates to the county assembly March 16, said precinct co-chairman Ron Thayer.
Campaign speeches were given by local Republican candidates, including Steve Nowlin, who is seeking a second term as Montezuma County Sheriff, and Charlie Rosenbaugh and James Lambert, both running for Montezuma County commissioner District 1.
Campaign letters were read from other Republican candidates, including Kim Percell for Montezuma County Clerk, and Jim Candelaria for county commissioner.
No resolutions were passed or introduced. Resolutions are collected from caucuses throughout the state and help develop the Colorado Republican platform.
“It went smooth, and our local candidates had a chance to speak,” Thayer said of the evening. “People got a chance to hear from party candidates, and a lot of people volunteered to be delegates.”
Democrats held their caucuses for Precinct 2 and 3 at the Dolores Community Center. Precinct 2 represents Dolores and had about 20 participants. Precinct 3, representing Lewis-Arriola, had 15 participants.
Under Democratic Party rules, the caucus focused on supporting candidates for Colorado governor. Both precincts to voted to support Democrat candidates Cary Kennedy and Jared Polis at the county assembly on March 16.
The Democrats also chose delegates for the county assembly, 10 from Precinct 2 and 14 from Precinct 3.
Resolutions were also passed to help formulate the Colorado Democratic platform. Some passed from Precinct 3 Democrats included resolutions supporting universal health care, adequate buffers zones around oil and gas wells, transitioning to renewable energy, keeping public lands public, and establishing improved rural broadband.
“I really enjoyed the energy that is here,” said Democrat Judy Garrigues. “There was a lot of good discussion on the pros and cons of different issues. We did not always agree, but were willing to talk.”
Lynn Anderson, a Dolores Democrat from Precinct 2, said the group appreciated Polis’ and Kennedy’s support for education, including more funding for preschool and kindergarten statewide.
“I’m learning a lot, and became a delegate for the first time,” she said.
