Ottumwa satellite precinct, is the first Iowa precinct to caucus today. Starting at Noon
Chris Laursen, president of UAW Local 74, is here as an observer. Hes a Bernie supporter and said the campaign has been canvassing outside JBS Pork, the major employer in town, at shift change from midnight to 2 a.m.
Precinct chairman Frank Flanders is getting this caucus started. Hes reading a statement from Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Troy Price. And county party chair Zach Simonson tells attendees they are the first of the first to cast their preferences in the 2020 election.
Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders both have precinct captains here, and it doesnt appear that caucusgoers plan to support anyone other than those two candidates at the moment.
14 of 15 caucusgoers are standing with Bernie Sanders on the first alignment. One is standing with Elizabeth Warren.
Warren is not viable here, and her one supporter said she does not wish to realign with Sanders.
Because this is a satellite caucus, the precinct wont award delegates until later tonight when they know how many people participated. So stay tuned for final delegate #s later.