Yes, there is a disconnect between delegates and mainstream voters.
There is also a disconnect in the number of people who attend caucus meetings and those who vote in the primary. Delegates vie to be actively involved in the selection process of candidates.
Listening to neighbors is one requirement of a delegate. The Utah GOP website states, “As a delegate it is your job to listen to your neighbors, ask questions of the candidates and learn about the needs of your community.”
Attending county conventions opened my eyes to just how accessible candidates are.
Candidates who seem unreachable are accessible. Delegates can visit with them face to face. They ask questions. They use the knowledge they gain to discern which candidates will best represent their neighbors. How many mainstream voters get that opportunity?
Comment from reader Pat Thomas:
No, I’m sorry. You’re wrong. Delegates and voters just flat out have completely different priorities and have different demographics. Utah republican delegates tend to be older, whiter, and dominated by males (only 24 percent are women). While republican voters tend to be younger, more diverse, and female (54 percent are women)
Check out what the nonpartisan Utah Foundation found. Delegates’ priorities are completely different from voters. That’s why Johnson lost.
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