Why Michigan GOP should have a caucus in 2012 instead of convention or primary

This is gaining some ground over in Washtenaw County, and I'm inclined to agree with it. It's the best plan I've seen so far.

MICaucus 2012

This plan was developed by volunteer Republican and Tea Party activists searching for a way to protect the integrity of the Republican nomination process and position the movement to defeat Barack Obama.

We designed a system that encourages all campaigns to get volunteers involved in precinct leadership, and awards delegates to campaigns as fairly as can be.

A system that could be low-cost, pay for itself, or make a profit.

A system to strengthen the Republican Party and encourage the Tea Party.

A system immune to left-wing tampering, ballot fraud, insider politics—and accusations of any of them!

I'd like to say that I thought of this myself, but I'm not part of this group, although I agree with a lot of what they are saying. There's a video, powerpoint, and pdf file there all worth a look.

Most of the talk I'm hearing is closed primary vs modified primary vs convention (and they are confusing caucus with convention). A lot of insiders do not want a convention because 1500 people will likely be making the decision for the nomination. I understand that. I don't think a convention will go anywhere. Bad politics, and policy. While my vote would count more, many friends of mine who are activists would be shut out of a convention. I oppose this as much as I do an open primary, which dilutes votes with democrats. McCain 2000 and Fieger 98 shows pitfalls there.

Open primaries only work when there is a open contest on both sides. In 2012, that's not going to happen. Modified is what we had last time to an extent. It's open, but you have to declare party. I don't think that will work in 2012 for the same reason open primaries don't work. Cross party voting in primaries.

Caucuses are the best way to limit the pool to republicans choosing their own party's nomination, while at the same time not being too exclusive limiting republicans from voting in republican races.

State committee needs to get this one right. They have a reputation (sometimes deserved and sometimes undeserved - the reality is quite complicated) as a top down power broker's club of two conflicting consulting firms favoring certain candidates at any cost (McCain v Romney in 06-08). This can go a long ways towards them improving relationships with the grassroots putting their biggest issue of all in their hands.

This issue is their baby, and will have major ramifications in party leadership decisions at the next convention. Anything viewed as a coronation for a favorite will be bad news for everybody involved, except Obama. We don't need that. A caucus will put the decisions in the hands of activists. Candidates will have to earn our votes, and may the best person win the Republican nomination.