Idaho law provides for a presidential primary in May (simultaneous with the primary for other office). However, on July 16, the Republican State Central Committee voted to choose delegates to the national convention by caucus on March 6. Because the Democrats also usually choose delegates by caucus in Idaho, and because the state’s two ballot-qualified minor parties normally don’t use a presidential primary, this means the 2012 presidential primary in Idaho will be completely meaningless. Republicans will discuss with Democrats the idea of a bill early in the 2012 legisiative session to eliminate the presidential primary. Thanks to Josh Putnam of Frontloading HQ for this news.
Will they still have the 5 percent minimum to begin winning delegates?
Will the Republicans have the money to conduct this caucus? The Republicans in Montana tried this and it cost them too much money so they are back sponging off the tax payers. Ron Paul came in second in the MT caucus but McCain came in first in the primary so he got all the delegates, after Mitt had dropped out.