By: Lydia Bradley

The Weld County Republican Party, District C, held its caucus on March 4, the in Eaton High School’s Auditorium at 7 pm. The meeting was kicked off by a prayer by Pastor Craig Kirkpatrick followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by Justin Pyfrom.  After the Pledge, introductions from the candidates that  are running for Governor, Senate, Sheriff and County Commissioner were given in 1 minute and 30 second speeches to explain why Weld County should vote for them in the Straw Poll. After these introductions were given, the precincts were split up into various classrooms according to where they live. Once in the various class rooms, there were the election of officers and the voting of delegates and alternates that will move on to a higher assembly meeting. This included more conversation on the current candidates. Registered voters participated in the Straw Poll which is an unofficial vote on current issues to find a trend. For Weld County, this count was to find a trend amongst the candidates that are running for the U.S. Sen. and for the Gov.of Colorado. Leading the Straw Poll for Sen. across Weld County was Congressman Cory Gardner with a running lead of 985 votes. Bob Beauprez is currently running for Gov. and is in the lead with 254 votes. A close first with Scott Gessler running in second with 223 votes. All of these votes are a key decision that will help decide who will be placed on the ballot during election.