Our House Independent Caucus

If we're running, we're running to win.  If we get the vote out - we win.  

We get the vote out by giving the people a candidate that they say they want if my personal polls are representative of the public at large.  No real choice, both candidates say the same things and you can't trust what they say anyway so it doesn't matter?  Let's make it matter.  We are going to thumb our noses at the state parties that are the ones that decided we were collateral damage in their cause to protect their power and prevent us from the exercise of our Constitutional rights.

Mid-Summer 2015 to 2016 up to 30 days prior to final signature deadlines.

Volunteers will create public events that all candidates will be invited to participate in a public town hall style debate.  Although not required, these should be largely all day or long-hour events with snacks and entertainment provided.  We want to prepare our nominees for an uphill battle against an entrenched incumbent so if only 2 hours for debate is available that is what should be done.  

Prior to RSVP as nominee, volunteer must agree to the candidate pledge and the governing compact.  

Volunteers have until 24 hours prior to the debate to submit and/or vote for candidate questions based on platform priorities.

Prior to debate, candidates will agree on random order selection by drawing determined by moderator.

The Candidates will have time to meet with audience members and recruit voters and volunteers.  

As guests enter, if they would like to ask a question, they should be given a ticket for the drawing.

General Agenda:

1. Each candidate will have 3 minutes to detail their commitment to Priority 1 while at the same time, introducing themselves to the caucus and voters.
2. Each candidate will have 1 minute to follow up, they may chose to challenge and give 30 sec to question another candidate and 30 sec for response.
3. The Moderator will have 5 minutes to follow up with any candidate receiving 30 seconds to respond.
4. Each candidate will have 2 minutes will pick 1 of the 4 other priorities and explain how they plan to work as a minority of a minority party, including which primary party would be the preferred caucus.
5. Each candidate will have 1 minute to follow up
6. The Moderator will have 5 minutes to follow up with any candidate receiving 30 seconds to respond.
7. The Moderator will ask each candidate 1 question each from the questions from the Caucus Website
   1. Candidates may "pass" if another candidate will take the question, if not, the question stands.
   2. Candidate has 1 minute to answer or bluff
   3. Moderator followup up with 30 seconds for candidate to respond.
8. The Moderator will draw 1 ticket per candidate on the stage for the guest to ask their question
   1. Candidates may not pass on the question
   2. Candidate has 1 minute to answer
   3. Guest may follow up with 30 seconds for candidate to respond
9. Each Candidate has 2 minutes each for a closing statement.
   1. If there are still questions, still people and still time keep going, if not wrap it up.
10. Each guest should cast their paper ballot as they leave for the candidates they preferred and would like to hear more from the candidate.

Each candidate will have approximately 11 Minutes available

Moderator will have approx 1 min per question and 10 minutes for followup.  

A Debate between 2 candidates should take approx 30 - 40 minutes with 11 - 15 minutes each additional candidate.

If there is only 1 candidate, the moderator will request a volunteer or draw a ticket of an audience member that has an opportunity to take the podium and that will respond to questions in a manner they wished a politician would respond.  If the "winner" doesn't wish to debate, they may "pass" or "nominate" someone that was volunteering.  If, no one wishes to participate then the solo candidate will respond to the caucus audience.

If there are too many candidates to accommodate in the time frame allotted, it is recommended that question 2 is omitted (1 of the 4 priorities) and if needed, the questions should be split with a candidate getting a question from the website questions or the audience in person questions but not both.