Politics: Mitt Wins Nevada With Friends and Family

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Politics Mitt Wins Nevada With Friends and Family With the help of his fellow Mormons—and his second cousin—Romney had it all along. By David Weigel Posted Sunday, Feb 05, 2012, at 02:07 AM ET LAS VEGAS—"It's a very scripted process," warns Mary Burgar, our caucus captain. "I apologize in advance if it looks like I'm reading from something. It's because I'm reading from something." No complaints. There are nine voting Republicans in this classroom decorated with old newspaper covers for the Durango High School journalism class that usually meets here. The instructions for the presidential caucuses are written on a white board, next to the documents Burgar will read aloud. Three tow-haired boys entertain themselves quietly as their mother takes notes. A 10th Republican walks in right after 9 a.m. and joins us at one of those all-in-one desk-chairs that are uncomfortable when you're a teen, unbearable when you've reached middle age. "How many voters are in our precinct?" asks Monica Johns, sitting next to her husband, Rick. "There are 181 voters," says Burgar. "So, we'll need to assign four delegates." "One hundred and eighty-one!" says Monica. "Why aren't the neighbors here? We should T.P. their house!" This is only the second time Nevada has held a caucus at the start of the nominating process. It's still learning. The local GOP, spooked about fraud, has set up voter ID stations at two points on the high school's perimeter. Reporters have been issued oversized PRESS badges that theoretically allow them access to the caucus sites. It apparently wasn't enough for Ashley Powers, a Los Angeles Times reporter at a nearby ... To continue reading, click here. Join the Fray: our reader discussion forum What did you think of this article? POST A MESSAGE | READ MESSAGES Also In Slate Who Was That Guy in the Toga With Madonna? And What Was He Doing? The Gutsiest Call in Super Bowl History That Shrink on Gawker Blabs His Patients' Secrets. Are Therapists Allowed To Do That?	Advertisement
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