Caucus America

Caucus America.

Instead of parties nominating presidential candidates, caucuses do; with alliances being formed and caucuses split and reformed over time. Everyone in the nation is allied to a caucus (no independents) and each caucus has a leader, elected from it’s crop of Senators. Caucuses ally themselves and two main blocs hold steady - the Democrat Bloc and the Republican Bloc. I'm planning on doing a few election scenarios where some blocs split over certain candidates.

But for now, who would you align yourself with?

‘DEMOCRAT’ BLOC

Farmer-Labor: One of the oldest caucuses in existence. While its membership is small, and shrinking back significantly from it’s pre-war high, it does have a strong base in select pockets and can influence local races. It is also the most loyal to the bloc of left and liberal caucuses supporting their nomination regardless of ideological differences. In the early 70’s it absorbed the majority of the New Deal caucus after its fast collapse. Despite facing challenges in it ‘coal-belt’ heartlands in the 90’s and early 00’s it has slowly began to pick up support from the under 25’s and senior citizens.

Registered voters: 8%

Social Democrat: Formed in time for the 1960 election, this caucus peaked in 1976 before a steady decline. Originally following a European style model of left of centre economics and the promotion of state sponsored welfare, it benefited from an infusion of ‘Dixiecrats’ after they unceremoniously folded in 1972, who then left the caucus (and some, the Democratic bloc itself) in the 1980’s. A policy upheaval in the mid 90’s did not halt their decline and the caucus finds itself in a continuing crisis of ideology. Has recently re-branded itself as a caucus commited to fighting poverty.

Registered voters: 10%

United Liberal: Formed in 1992 this growing caucus promotes a left-liberal and anti-war (since 2003) ideology and is increasingly popular with first time voters. While successful it is in danger of splitting. One wing has been accused of simply being ‘anti-war and pro-nothing’ while the other has pursued an agenda focused on social justice, human rights and environmentalism.

Registered voters: 13%

New Democrat: Formed in 1972, this caucus has been successful in motivating African American, and Latino voters. In the early 90’s, as a vehicle for Bill Clinton the caucus was able to extend its support, particularly amongst women. Despite declining from its 1992 high it marginally remains the largest caucus in the bloc and finds itself to be the most adaptable to change.

Registered voters: 14%

‘REPUBLICAN’ BLOC

Liberty Forum: The oldest caucus in existence, this caucus can trace it’s history back to the 1870’s. It reconstituted itself under Eisenhower, peaked in 76 under Ford and has steadily declined. Once the voice of fiery capitalism and patriotic jingo, it now sees itself as one of the most ‘moderate’ caucuses in the bloc focusing on financial prudence with a lack of interest in social issues (though the members are more socially conservative than the leadership)

Registered voters: 12%

Conservative Coalition: Formed in 1996, almost out of nowhere, this caucus was formed to ‘save’ conservatism from what was seen as it’s dilution by the Liberty Forum. Despite having an unstable leadership, this caucus has remained in the media spotlight. It is interventionalist and supports the war in the Iraq and is also in favour of tax cuts.

Registered voters: 10%

Christian Majority: Formed in 1972, this caucus was at first independent, but aligned itself to the Republican bloc in the 1980’s. Is concerned primarily with social issues, opposing gay marriage (some sections increasingly support the criminalisation of homosexual acts) and abortion. Has been accused of ignoring economic policy and trivializing politics. It is well known for headline grabbing legal cases, picketing, protesting and has suffered a series of high profile scandals and defections, including the defection of a core group of founders alarmed over its current direction. It remains, however the largest caucus overall.

Registered voters: 16%

INDEPENDENTS

Libertarian Caucus. Founded in 1972, this caucus has promoted libertarian ideology, but its detractors have accused it of being too radical in it’s policies and too closely aligned to the Republican bloc. Now suffering a crisis of confidence as it is has lost membership, with the new leadership pledging to put forward a policy review to make libertarianism more ‘relevant’

Registered voters: 8%

Progressive Libertarian. The newest caucus, founded in 2000. Split from the main Libertarians over policy, the Progressives seek to implement a more moderate 'softly softly' brand of libertarianism designed to appeal to both the Democrat and Republican blocs. On foreign policy they are less hawkish than the Libertarian Caucus and heavily promote the pursuit of personal freedom over economic issues. Supported the Democratic Blocs presidential candidate in 2004.

Registered voters: 9%

Green. Formed, dissolved and re-formed since the late 1980’s. Close ally of the United Liberals and the Democratic Bloc, but refuse to affiliate themselves to it.

Registered voters: 3%

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DISPANDED/SUPERCEDED CAUCUSES

1972 was a significant year. Many of the once strong coalitions of the 30’s-50’s had declined rapidly and many chose or were forced to fold.

‘Dixiecrats’ – Dispanded after 1972 elections with only 6% support, half the support it gathered in 1968 and down from 18% in 1952. Most joined the Social Democrats, with some joining the Christian Majority (many of whom have recently left)

New Deal – Also dispanded after 1972 elections with only 2% support, down from 22% in 1948. Joined Farmer-Labour after years of close co-operation.

‘Yankee’ – New England based conservative party with nationwide appeal. 21% in 1948 down to 6% in 1972. Most switched to Liberty Forum, with some becoming the founding members of the Libertarian Caucus.

American Way – Vehicle for Barry Goldwater. Lasted only a few election cycles before dispanding in 1972 with less than 2% support.

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