The Green Party of Minnesota will hold its caucuses on March 4, the date designated by state law, even though the DFL, Republican and Independence parties have agreed to follow the national trend toward ever earlier caucuses and will hold theirs on February 5. Greens emphasize that they object on principle to the lengthening of campaigns for national office.

“If anything, the campaign season should be shortened rather than extended,” says Rhoda Gilman, party spokesperson. “Nine months of campaigning is unnecessary by any standard. It only increases the money needed to run for public office and assures even further that wealth will govern our elections.” Greens accept no money from corporations or PACs.

“As a minor party, we are not legally required to hold caucuses, but the caucus process is a key element of grassroots participation in political parties,” says Andy Exley, a member of the state Coordinating Committee. As at other party caucuses, Greens attending will discuss and vote on potential candidates and on resolutions. Greens do not need to choose delegates from the local caucus, because all Green Party members are eligible to attend and vote at the state endorsing convention in June. In addition, Green Party members who can not attend the state convention will be able to cast votes for President by mail-in ballot. Caucus resolutions will be forwarded to the platform committee and considered at the biennial meeting, which is usually held in conjunction with the endorsing convention.

Caucus locations will be listed on the Green Party Web site (www.mngreens.org) and also the Secretary of State's website when they have been finalized. All persons in agreement with Green Party values are invited to attend.