"uncommitted" in Iowa

[Bill McBlueState]

I read in Time, I think, that "uncommitted" won Iowa in 1972 and 1976. What is it about the caucus process that leads to that?

Can it happen this year? (Or do you think "uncommitted" could finish in the top four?)

What would be the implications for candidates that finish below uncommitted?

[goodhue]

1. yes

uncommitted very likely to finish in top four. particularly if campaigns who cannot achieve precinct level viability band together with true undecideds. the more of that that goes one, the higher uncommitted will rank.
remember uncommitteds will have another chance at realignment at March 13 county conventions to get their candidate viable or choose one that is, or remain uncommitted.

[Bill McBlueState]

3. it's the viability issue, then

It must be the viability requirement that leads to uncommitted being a popular position.

Makes sense now.

Thanks!

[mastein]

2. 72-76 to now

Things are much different now including mobilization efforts in Iowa. I think there will be a pretty goodly amount of uncommitteds, but remember it take 15% from any group to send a single delegate to the county. And by March 15 and again at the State conv. several weeks later (May I think) things will have shaken out by then.

in 1992 Harkin won the Caucus at 85% but the delegation went for Clinton (who went by "acclimation after MO in the roll call of States)