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Pence Opts for State-Run Primary Over Nevada Republican Caucus, Forgoing Delegate Opportunity

by Joshua Brown
10 comments
Nevada Republican Caucus and Primary 2023

Former Vice President Mike Pence has chosen not to participate in the Nevada Republican Party’s caucus and will instead enter the state-administered primary election. Critics argue that the rules set by the Nevada GOP unfairly advantage former President Donald Trump. Pence was officially listed as a presidential candidate for the primary after filing the necessary paperwork with the Nevada Secretary of State’s office. The Republican Party in Nevada prohibits candidates from taking part in both the caucus scheduled for February 8 and the state-run primary election.

The Pence campaign remained silent when reached for comment on the reason behind this strategic move.

By choosing to forgo the caucus, Pence relinquishes the opportunity to secure a modest number of delegates from Nevada. However, success in the primary could serve to demonstrate his viability as a candidate in the run-up to pivotal battles in South Carolina and the multitude of Super Tuesday primary elections.

Nevada will play a significant role in the 2024 Republican presidential nomination process, as it is the third state to cast its vote. Despite this, there are concerns that the state’s influence might be diluted. The Nevada GOP will hold its caucus two days following the state-administered primary on February 6, a decision that has elicited warnings from various presidential campaigns and local Republican figures.

Last month, the state’s Republican Party adopted rules that other campaigns contend favor Trump. Along with disallowing candidates from participating in both nominating events, these rules also prevent super PACs from aiding candidates in the caucus. This could pose a particular challenge for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who relies heavily on the Never Back Down super PAC for organizational and promotional efforts.

The Nevada Republican Party clarified that it will allocate delegates exclusively based on the caucus results. Mike Pence is the first significant Republican contender to sidestep the caucus process. Other prominent figures like Donald Trump, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum have opted to join the caucus.

Michael McDonald, the Chair of the Nevada GOP, expressed his disappointment in Pence’s decision during an interview. McDonald, who became acquainted with Pence through Trump, characterized the former vice president’s choice as vying for a “plastic tiara in a beauty pageant” and devaluing his own stature. “No serious presidential candidate would opt to compete in a state primary that offers no delegates,” McDonald stated, expressing hope that Pence will reconsider.

The initial reports on this matter were published by The Nevada Independent.

In the wider context of the Republican primary, Pence faces substantial hurdles. Trump continues to exert substantial influence over the party’s base, many of whom regard Pence as disloyal due to his refusal to aid Trump’s efforts to contest the 2020 election results. Trump is currently confronting criminal charges in two separate jurisdictions related to these endeavors.

In Nevada, caucuses typically reward candidates with strong grassroots support, a setting that is likely advantageous for Trump. The nature of the state, large and mostly rural, necessitates robust organizing in remote areas and requires dedicated voter turnout at specified times and places.

In contrast, the state-run primary allows for a more expansive electorate and benefits candidates with high name recognition and the ability to advertise broadly and focus organizational efforts in densely populated regions.

Nevada is not unique in enacting rules that are perceived to favor Trump. Similar regulations have been adopted in Michigan and California this year. Prominent Nevada GOP members like Michael McDonald and Republican National Committee member Jim DeGraffenreid, who both acted as sham presidential electors in 2020, are closely allied with Trump. Alida Benson, formerly the party’s executive director, has also departed her role to manage Trump’s campaign operations in the state.

The report was filed from Washington by journalist [Name].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nevada Republican Caucus and Primary 2023

What decision has Mike Pence made regarding the Nevada GOP caucus?

Mike Pence has opted not to participate in the Nevada Republican Party’s caucus. Instead, he will be entering the state-administered primary election.

Why is Mike Pence skipping the Nevada GOP caucus?

The article does not provide an official statement from the Pence campaign regarding this decision. However, critics of the Nevada GOP caucus argue that its rules unfairly favor former President Donald Trump.

What are the implications of Pence’s decision for the 2024 Presidential Election?

By choosing to forgo the caucus, Mike Pence gives up the opportunity to secure a modest number of delegates from Nevada. However, a primary win could serve as an indicator of his electoral viability ahead of crucial contests in South Carolina and Super Tuesday.

What is the Nevada GOP’s stance on candidates participating in both the caucus and the primary?

The Nevada Republican Party prohibits candidates from participating in both the caucus and the state-run primary. Candidates must choose one or the other.

What are the rules set by the Nevada Republican Party for the caucus?

The Nevada GOP has set rules that prevent candidates from participating in both the caucus and the state-run primary. Additionally, super PACs are restricted from aiding candidates in the caucus.

How might these rules affect other candidates?

The restriction on super PACs could particularly impact Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is heavily reliant on the Never Back Down super PAC for organizing and promotional activities.

What does Nevada GOP Chair Michael McDonald think of Pence’s decision?

Michael McDonald, Chair of the Nevada GOP, expressed disappointment in Pence’s decision. He characterized it as akin to competing for a “plastic tiara in a beauty pageant” and stated that “no serious presidential candidate would opt to compete in a state primary that offers no delegates.”

Who are the other notable candidates participating in the Nevada GOP caucus?

As of the report, Donald Trump, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum have filed to participate in the Nevada GOP caucus.

How does the caucus typically influence the electoral landscape in Nevada?

Caucuses generally favor candidates with strong grassroots support. Given Nevada’s large and mostly rural landscape, this requires effective organization in remote areas and a commitment from supporters to turn out at specified times and locations.

How does a state-run primary differ from a caucus in Nevada?

A state-run primary allows candidates to compete before a broader electorate and is generally more advantageous for those with high name recognition. It enables candidates to focus organizational efforts in densely populated areas and to make extensive use of television advertising.

More about Nevada Republican Caucus and Primary 2023

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10 comments

CivicMinded October 13, 2023 - 1:17 am

Michael McDonald’s comment on Pence opting for a “beauty pageant for a plastic tiara” really caught my eye. Harsh words, but maybe a fair point?

Reply
NewsHound October 13, 2023 - 5:37 am

Can’t wait to read follow-ups on this. What’s Pence’s game plan here? Should make for some exciting politics.

Reply
PoliticalJunkie October 13, 2023 - 5:56 am

This whole thing is like a chess game. Pence seems to be making a strategic move, but only time will tell if it was the right one. Very curious to see how this unfolds.

Reply
LibertyBell October 13, 2023 - 6:22 am

So Nevada’s GOP is putting all their eggs in the caucus basket, huh? No delegates from the primary? Seems pretty one-sided to me.

Reply
JohnDoe99 October 13, 2023 - 6:50 am

Wow, didn’t see that comin. Pence skipping the Nevada caucus is a big deal, right? Guess he’s playin’ a different game this time around.

Reply
WallStreetWiz October 13, 2023 - 10:55 am

I’m more into finance but this stuff matters too. A Pence win in the primary could shake up investor confidence in certain sectors, keep an eye on that folks.

Reply
Tech_Guru October 13, 2023 - 6:46 pm

The bit about super PACs is interesting, really sheds a light on how these rules could hit DeSantis hard. politics is a dirty game after all.

Reply
GrassrootsGuy October 13, 2023 - 7:12 pm

Caucuses reward grassroots efforts, thats for sure. I think Trump’s got this one in the bag, unless Pence has got some aces up his sleeve.

Reply
SarahTalks October 13, 2023 - 8:57 pm

the rules set by Nevada GOP clearly show where their allegiance lies. Not very democratic if you ask me.

Reply
Vote2024 October 14, 2023 - 12:24 am

Nevada being the third state in the nomination process makes it kinda important, doesn’t it? Wonder what the turnout’s gonna be like.

Reply

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