Big GOP Turnout in Solon Yields Big Lead for Romney

By Scott Dochterman, The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Jan. 4–SOLON — Johnson County Republicans jammed the tiny, snowy road leading to the Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca caucus site last night and once they arrived, expressed surprise at the massive turnout.

One woman cracked to a friend while walking in the building, “I didn’t know there were so many of us in Johnson County. I thought only four would show up.” Republicans packed into the chapel area for two precincts — Jefferson East and Jefferson West — and selected Mitt Romney as their choice for the Republican nomination. Romney gained a plurality in both precincts, receiving nearly 40 percent of the 111 votes in Jefferson East (Shueyville) and the same percentage of Jefferson West’s (Swisher) 63 votes.

“He’s a man of principle, and I think he’d be a good decision-maker under stress,” said first-time caucus attendee Deb Dirks of Swisher.

Andrew Roberts, a 17-yearold senior at Cedar Rapids Prairie High, also tabbed Romney in his first caucus. Roberts, whose 19-year-old sister, Leeann, attended the Demo cratic caucus in Shueyville, picked Romney because of his business acumen.

“He had a good financial history of turning around companies,” Roberts said. “He was involved with the (2002 Winter) Olympics; they were basically in a bad financial situation, and he turned them around. I feel he can do the same for the nation.” The caucus began about 15 minutes late because of the traffic jam and registrations. People publicly debated candi dates before ballots were dispersed. Each voter wrote his or her selection on a piece of paper, which was then collected in a coat hood held up in the Jefferson East precinct.

Clark Oster of Swisher said the turnout was about double the 2004 figures.

“We had probably the largest gathering that we’ve ever had in the past several (caucuses),” Oster said.

Contact the writer (319) 3393169 or scott.dochterman@ gazettecommunications.com

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