They will meet in courthouses, senior centers, Elks and veterans clubs, country clubs, hotels, motels and restaurants. In two sparsely populated counties, caucuses will take place in private homes.
It's a winner-take-all event. The winner of the five-candidate race will get all 25 of the Montana Republican Party's delegate votes at the national convention in the Twin Cities in September.
Vying for the Grand Old Party's votes here are former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former Assistant Secretary of State Alan Keyes, U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.
Montana Republican Party officials are making no predictions on the outcome of what's believed to be the state's first modern-day caucus.
“Two weeks ago, I would have expected somebody to pull away by a strong majority,” executive director Chris Wilcox said. “I think it will be a competitive race. I think we will have a clear winner that night, but I don't know who that will be.”
Paul has sent nearly a dozen mailings to delegates, Wilcox said, and Romney also has sent fliers.
Romney has probably been the most visible candidate here and is the only one to campaign in Montana. He's had relatives stumping for him, too. Romney has had former state GOP executive director Chuck Denowh organizing his support for months.
“I feel really good about things,” Denowh said, citing Romney's ties to the West and his recent wins in Wyoming and Nevada.
Also active has been former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who sent his wife to campaign here.
Huckabee's state coordinator is Steve Daines, a Bozeman businessman who described the race as “very much between Romney and Huckabee.”
Paul is running below the radar, but has an active Montana campaign.
“We have a grass-roots organization that's been phenomenal across the state,” said Paul state coordinator Dave Hart. “We expect to win.”
McCain, called the current Republican front-runner nationally, doesn't have much of an organization in Montana, but has been picking up late support from some prominent backers.
Former U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns, who's helping his former Senate colleague, said, “We're getting a good feeling.”
Keyes has not been active in Montana.
Last year, Montana Republicans switched to what's called a closed caucus system. Unlike the Iowa caucuses, people can't just show up and participate. The only Republicans allowed to vote are county precinct captains, county central committee members, elected county officials, state legislators, statewide and regional elected officials and state executive board members.
Members of the public are welcome to watch the caucus in their county, but are not allowed to participate. Some counties are combining the vote with cocktails and appetizers, with supporters of various candidates handing out materials at tables, followed by brief speeches.
Secret ballots will be cast because it's a new process and “we wanted to do it in a way that people would be comfortable with,” Wilcox said.
Each of the 56 county caucuses will report their votes to the state Republican Party by 10 p.m., which will tally them and announce a winner.
Yellowstone County has the most votes, with 130 or 7.2 percent of the state total. Next are Gallatin County with 107 votes (5.9 percent), Missoula County with 104 votes (5.7 percent), Flathead County with 91 votes (5 percent), Lewis and Clark County with 84 votes (4.6 percent) and Ravalli County with 56 votes (3.1 percent).
Bringing up the rear is Deer Lodge County, a Democratic stronghold, with only four votes or 0.2 percent of the statewide total.
Republicans decided to go for the caucus system for a couple of reasons.
“I happen to believe that Denton, Mont., is just as important as Des Moines, Iowa, and Colstrip, Mont., is just as important as Concord, N.H.,” state Republican chairman Erik Iverson said in announcing the plans.
Democrats have criticized the Montana Republican caucus as an insider-only affair, with fewer than 2,000 party faithful allowed to participate. That's a fraction of the more than 112,000 Montanans who voted in the 2004 Republican presidential primary.
Iverson countered that party members are “energized by having the opportunity to participate in the Republican caucus at a time that is relevant” - instead of waiting for a June primary when the GOP nominee likely will already be determined.
What's more, GOP officials said interest in the caucus has helped build the party by filling vacant precinct committee man and woman slots, known as precinct captains, in counties around the state.
As it stands, Wilcox said, Montana Republicans previously had filled only 415 precinct committee slots. With Republicans wanting a chance to vote in the caucuses, they have now filled 1,133 posts of the 1,714 available.
Republicans are hoping these precinct captains will remain active beyond Tuesday to help the GOP organize for statewide and local races. The party will still have a presidential primary on June 3, but the results won't matter.
If Montana Republicans on Tuesday back a presidential candidate who isn't the presumptive nominee, Wilcox said party rules provide the state's winning candidate to release Montana delegates to a different candidate. The Montana national delegates will be bound to vote for the winner only on the first ballot in the Twin Cities. They are free to vote for a different candidate on subsequent ballots.
Meanwhile, out near Hysham in southeastern Montana, Bob and Pat Miller are getting their home ready for about 50 people - about half of them delegates - who'll show up at the Treasure County caucus on Tuesday night.
“We just decided our house is kind of in a central location,” said Bob Miller. “We have a big enough house to take care of quite a few people. We decided it would be a good place to have it. We wouldn't have to line up a hall.”
The Millers will be serving snacks and beverages at the gathering, which begins at 4 p.m.
“It's kind of a Super Tuesday party, I guess,” he said.
In Petroleum County in central Montana, Butch Arthur said he and his wife, Phyllis, offered up their house because it would be the handiest location for the participants. The event will start at 4 p.m. and allow people with children involved in school activities to stop by their house to vote as time allows.
“We're going to offer people some snacks,” said Arthur, county GOP chairman. “It's Super Tuesday, isn't it? In small counties, we try to do what it takes to accommodate the people to try and get them involved.”
Western Montana GOP caucuses a spectator event for most
Montana politics, historically a participatory event, becomes spectator sport come Tuesday.
That's the day of the state Republican caucus, during which a select few from the GOP will weigh in on their favorite presidential pick while the rest of us look on.
Republicans in elected office will vote, as will local and statewide party officials, but only after hearing from each candidate - by proxy, of course.
To listen in on how conservative politics are shaping up in western Montana, drop by the evening caucus events in your county.
Missoula County Republicans will start with a social hour at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the DoubleTree Hotel in Missoula, then will give speakers a chance to promote the cause of individual candidates at 7 p.m. Voting will follow.
All qualified electors must bring a photo ID to the caucus, said Will Deschamps, chairman of the Missoula County Republican Central Committee. For more information, contact Deschamps at 544-4344.
In Mineral County, doors open at 7 p.m. in the commissioners' room at the county building in Superior. Light refreshments and food will be served, followed by an invitation for candidate pitches at roughly 7:35 p.m. Speakers will be limited to five minutes each.
The voting bloc consists of precinct committee members, congressional delegates and elected county officials from the Republican Party. Robert Mahon, chairman of the county Republican central committee, urged everyone to attend. “We're planning food for 40 to 45 people, but we have a grocery store right across the street, so we can get more,” he said. Mahon's number is 822-0555.
Powell County will get a jump on most others with a caucus at the community center in Deer Lodge at 5 p.m. Committee chairman John Davis said about 25 votes will be cast at about 5:30 or 6, after candidate presentations are made. Davis can be reached at 793-5776.
Granite County will kick off its caucus with a social at 5 p.m. at the Philipsburg Café, followed by speakers at 6 p.m. and voting at 7 p.m. Twenty GOP officials will cast ballots. Then they'll watch the statewide results come in on a pair of laptop computers.
Kerry Graybeal, the county's Republican central committee chairman, said she notified the restaurant to expect 20 or 25 people, but called back and upped that to 80.
“I just ran into three people at the local store that want to come,” Graybeal said. “I think a lot of people are coming out of curiosity. If everybody comes who've said they're coming, it's going to be packed.”
Graybeal's number is 288-3575.
For Flathead voters, the caucus begins at 7 p.m. in Kalispell's Outlaw Inn. The organizer is Jane Bennett, who can be reached at 844-2133.
Bennett said each candidate's representative will get five minutes to pitch his or her politics, after which the selected voters will cast secret ballots. With fewer than 100 votes to tally, she expects the whole thing to wrap up by 9, well in advance of the 10 p.m. deadline set by state party officials.
In Lincoln County, the caucus is set for 6 p.m. at the Venture Inn in Libby, and is organized by Sharon Hicks, 293-2258.
In Ravalli County, the caucus gets under way at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. Fourth St.
“We're expecting quite a crowd,” said Ravalli County Committee Chair Susana Pyron of Florence. “I hope we'll have enough room.”
Pyron expects there will be about 52 official voting members at the caucus. After listening to speeches from candidate representatives, Pyron expects the vote will occur sometime close to 8 p.m.
Pyron can be reached at 273-2633.
Lake County Republicans will hold their caucus at Razooo's, the restaurant at Polson Bay Golf Course, 113 Bayview Drive. The event begins with a social hour at 6 p.m. Candidate discussions start at 7, followed by voting. Contact Gehrand Bechard, 887-2303.
Sanders County Republicans are doing things a little differently. “Our central committee decided to treat it as a polling place, because that's what it is,” says Sanders County Republican chairman Mike Hashisaki. “We'll have coffee and cake, but no speeches or signs - candidates were told to get their word out before the caucus.”
About 30 GOP officials and officeholders are eligible to vote. Polling begins at 7 p.m. at the Sanders County Fairgrounds pavilion in Plains. “By 8 we should be done,” Hashisaki says. You can contact him at 826-4447.
Republican presidential candidates at a glance
HELENA - Here is a quick snapshot of the candidates on the ballots at Montana's Republican presidential caucuses on Tuesday:
Candidate: Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee
Background: Huckabee, a former Baptist minister, served as governor of Arkansas from 1996 until January 2007 and as lieutenant governor from 1993 to 1996. Huckabee's Web site says he's running because “he feels the country needs a reawakening and a leadership to address an array of issues, including how to improve the nation's infrastructure, education system, environmental policy and failing health care system.”
Visits to Montana: None. His wife, Janet, spent three days in Montana around the Republican Winter Roundup in Billings late last month.
Major Montana supporters: Former Gov. Judy Martz, Bozeman businessman Steve Daines and the Montana Right to Life Political Action Committee.
Assessment: “Mike Huckabee, in terms of Second Amendment and of life, is the strongest candidate out there,” Daines said. “If you think about who's voting, these are some of the more conservative and staunch members of the party. He's such a genuine person and principled leader.”
Candidate: U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona
Background: McCain has served in the U.S. Senate since 1987. A Navy pilot, McCain was shot down over Vietnam and spent five years in a prisoner of war camp. He lost a bid for president in 2000. McCain's Web site described him as “an experienced leader in the tradition of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan.”
Visits to Montana: None.
Major Montana supporters: Former U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns, Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger, former Secretary of State Bob Brown, Republican National Committeeman Errol Galt and these legislators: Sens. Corey Stapleton of Billings, Dave Lewis of Helena, Jim Shockley of Victor, John Brueggeman of Polson, John Cobb of Augusta and Reps. Walter McNutt of Sidney and John Ward of Helena.
Assessment: “We're getting a good feeling,” Burns said. “I think McCain will win. We've made some calls, and we're feeling pretty good.”
Candidate: U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas
Background: Paul, an obstetrician-gynecologist, is serving his sixth term as a congressman from Texas. His Web site touts his reputation as “the premier advocate for liberty in politics today. Dr. Paul is the leading spokesman in Washington for limited constitutional government, low taxes, free markets, and a return to sound monetary policies based on commodity-backed currency.”
Visits to Montana: None. Paul's son, Rand, appeared at the state Republican Winter Kickoff in Billings and at a rally in Bozeman.
Major Montana supporters: Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar of Laurel, and Reps. Roger Koopman of Bozeman, Tom McGillvray of Billings, Diane Rice of Dillon and Jack Wells of Bozeman, all Republicans, and Rep. Rick Jore of Ronan, a Constitution Party member, and Sens. Jerry O'Neil of Columbia Falls and Aubyn Curtiss of Fortine.
Assessment: “It looks very strong,” said Paul's state coordinator, Dave Hart. “We expect to win. He's the only true conservative with the track record that backs up his credentials. I would encourage the caucus voters to vote on principle and not let the liberal media tell you who the frontrunners are. Vote on principle, vote for the constitution and vote for freedom and liberty.”
Candidate: Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney
Background: He was elected governor of Massachusetts in 2002 and served until January 2007. Romney is credited with turning around the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. He previously headed Bain & Co., an investment firm. Romney's Web site said as Massachusetts governor, he “presided over a dramatic reversal of state fortunes and a period of sustained economic expansion” without raising taxes or increasing debt.
Visits to Montana: He is the lone Republican presidential candidate to visit Montana, speaking at the state Republican Convention in June 2007. Son Josh has been to Bozeman and Billings in November and Billings in late January and is coming to Helena and Bozeman on Monday. Son Matt was in Missoula on Friday night. The candidate's brother, Scott, has been in Bozeman and Billings.
Major Montana supporters: Former Gov. Tim Babcock, Secretary of State Brad Johnson, Reps. Debbie Barrett of Dillon, Ken Peterson of Billings, Bill Nooney of Missoula, Wayne Stahl of Saco, Harry Klock of Harlowton, Carol Lambert of Broadus and Jesse O'Hara of Great Falls, and Sen. Rick Laible of Darby.
Assessment: “I feel really good about things,” said Romney's Montana campaign coordinator, Chuck Denowh. “I think he's got really good ties to the West. He used to live in Utah. That's why he was successful in Wyoming and Nevada. He recognizes we've got unique issues here. Mitt Romney is a true conservative on the issues and the strongest candidate on the economy, and that's the issue weighing heaviest on people's minds.”
Candidate: Alan Keyes
Background: Keyes is a former assistant secretary of state under President Ronald Reagan. He twice lost bids for the U.S. Senate and ran unsuccessfully for president in 1996 and 2000. His Web site says: “Keyes has unashamedly and consistently raised the standard of unalienable rights - and Biblical truth - in defense of the unborn.”
Visits to Montana: None.
Major Montana supporters: His campaign has not issued a list of Montana supporters.
Assessment: Montana Republican Party officials said they knew of no leader of Keyes' campaign in Montana.
For all other counties, check out the state's official Grand Old Party information Web site at www.mtgop.org
By the numbers
A look at county representation in Montana's Republican presidential caucus:
County, Credentialed voters, Percent
Missoula, 104 5.7
Flathead, 91, 5.0
Ravalli, 56, 3.1
Lake, 46, 2.5
Lincoln, 35, 1.9
Sanders, 32, 1.8
Powell, 28, 1.5
Granite, 20, 1.1
Mineral, 17, 0.9
Statewide, 1,817, 100
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