Early caucuses put student pro-Obama vote in play

Early caucuses put student pro-Obama vote in play

University of Iowa sophomore Caitlin Ross from Rockford, Ill., plans to drive her mom's minivan back to campus, packed with other Barack Obama supporters, for the caucus on Jan. 3.
Iowa campuses will be on winter break Jan. 3, which could steer his young supporters to a hometown event, or leave them stranded.
By Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
November 21, 2007

AMES, IOWA -- In the days leading up to the 2004 Iowa caucuses, Iowa State University's sprawling campus crackled with excitement. Volunteers, celebrities and candidates thronged the university, urging students to vote in the nation's first presidential contest. Campus rallies had the charged atmosphere of rock concerts, and singer Joan Jett stopped by to belt out a new take on her hit "I Love Rock N' Roll" -- "I Love Howard Dean."

It's going to be different this time: The Iowa caucuses are being held Jan. 3, the middle of winter break. With college students home for the holidays, campuses across the state will be empty.

But the early caucus date could shift voter dynamics, adding young voices at their hometown caucuses across the state while diminishing the turnout at college precincts. Or, it could mean even fewer college students will take part in the electoral process.

Either outcome will affect the tally for Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, who is in a tight race with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York to carry the state. The Obama campaign is banking on young voters, and the timing of this year's caucuses could work to his advantage.

"It's much easier to get kids to caucus if they're on campus," said Gordon Fischer, former chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party and an Obama supporter. "But when they're spread out, students can have a lot more impact."

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