Democrats to Hold Caucus in Westwood Next Month

With the first week of 2012 now well underway, things kicked off with a political bang with the Iowa Caucuses taking place this week.

But in just a few weeks, residents in Westwood who are registered democrats will gather for their own caucus.

On Saturday, Feb. 11 at 1 p.m., democrats will gather at the Carby Street Municipal Building to elect eight delegates and two alternates to the 2012 Massachusetts Democratic Convention in June, according to an announcement from the Westwood Democratic Town Committee this week.

The delegates will be divided evenly between men and women, and the caucus in February is open to all registered democrats in Westwood. Candidates for delegates and alternates will need to consent to nomination in writing and must be present at the caucus.

Once at the state convention, which will be held on Saturday, June 2 at the Mass Mutual Center in Lowell, delegates will have a chance to vote in various state-wide races.

"I expect there will be interest this year for the U.S. Senate seat," said Jill Onderdonk, Westwood Democratic Town Committee Chair. "They have to get at least 15 percent of the delegate support to get on the ballot in September."

All ballots at the Westwood caucus will be written and kept secret; those not elected as a delegate or alternate who still meet the qualifications can apply to be add-on delegates in the categories of youth, minority and disabled.

While she didn't have an estimate on what the turnout will be in February, Onderdonk said she expects to see an enthusiastic crowd.

"In years when there have been contested races, like the gubernatorial race in 2006, we had a lot of people attend the caucus," Onderonk said. "I expect there will be a lot of interest [this year]."

Anyone who wishes to challenge the delegate selection process can do so by filing such challenges to the Massachusetts Democratic Party at the following address no later than 10 days after the caucus:

• Massachusetts Democratic Party
  56 Rowland St.
  Suite 203
  Boston, MA 02129

Meanwhile, members of the Westwood Democratic Town Committee will vote to elect new members to the committee after the caucus in February, as there are a number of vacancies on the committee roster.