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64 °F Forecast | Road Cams Wednesday, February 11, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend January 23, 2004 Since You Asked Carter gave Iowa a boost My question is about the elections. Why do the candidates begin in Iowa? Why is the Iowa caucus so important? — Carol S., Medford In two words, Carol: Jimmy Carter. Here’s why. Although the caucuses have been around since 1846, they first took the spotlight in 1972 after the Democrats changed their rules to allow more grass-roots participation. Then, in 1976, a little-known former governor of Georgia polled almost 30 percent of the vote, beating the seasoned pols and being proclaimed the winner of the year’s first presidential contest. After he won the presidency, Iowa’s politics have never been the same. Some think the Iowa caucus is a beacon of representative democracy. Others think it’s overrated and unrepresentative. Advertisement However you view it, it’s not a very good prediction of success. In 1980, George Bush beat Ronald Reagan in Iowa. In 1988, Bob Dole beat Bush, but televangelist Pat Robertson won the expectations game. Tom Harkin dominated the Ds in 1992. Among the Rs, Dole barely beat Pat Buchanan (26 to 23 percent) in 1996. However you view it, it’s moved far from the ideal of candidates meeting intimately with voters, and money has become increasingly important. Incidentally, "caucus" is an Algonquin word meaning "elder." Send questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by e-mail to [email protected] . We’re sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them. Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times