193 attend first caucus since 2012

BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

A total of 193 voters attended the Barry County Republican Caucus on Saturday at Cassville High School, the first event of its kind since 2012.

Glen Cope, chair of the Barry County Central Committee, presided over the meeting, where voters chose Donald Trump as their presidential candidate.

The meeting opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then Barry County Recorder Danielle Still presented attendance information, with 44 pre-registered voters and 149 walk-ins.

State Rep. Scott Cupps, R-Shell Knob, then led an election to name a permanent chair. Cope was elected with no objection or other candidates.

After Dereck Couch was elected permanent secretary, Cope opened the floor for presidential nominations, noting candidates still on the ballot include Trump, Nikki Haley and David Stuckenberg.

Trump was the first to receive a nomination, which was met with a round of applause. Haley was also nominated.

Cope asked those in favor of Trump to stand, and 187 of the 193 in attendance rose to their feet. The remaining six stood for Haley when her vote was taken.

Because Trump garnered more than 50 percent of the votes, all seven of Barry County’s delegates will be bound to vote for Trump at the upcoming district and state conventions.

Cope presented a slate of delegates for approval, and after some discussion and the delegates being asked to come forward, the slate was approved.

Delegates include: Steve Blankenship, Dereck Couch, Roberta Gray, Linda Olson, Gus Robbins, Gary Schad and Dawn Wall. Alternates include: Deanna Blankenship, Dionne Zebert, Larry Zebert, Andy Reavis, Danielle Still, Bob Whitescarver and Gary Youngblood.

Finally, Republicans voted to approve the platform as-is, though one individual voted “no,” saying he would not vote for something without knowing everything about it.

The platform may be found at https://missouri.gop/2024-platform/.

Cope concluded the caucus by thanking Sheriff Danny Boyd for serving as sergeant at arms, Still for her work organizing and setting up, Barry County Clerk Joyce Ennis for providing the iPads to check voter registrations, and all those who worked at the welcome desk.

“One person told me we better get snacks and drinks because we’d be here for hours, but this took just 30 minutes,” Cope said. “I’ll leave with this, we are so blessed to live where we live. Things are not always perfect, but we have to remind ourselves we are blessed to live in Barry County with the opportunity to do what we want.”

Statewide, Trump won all 114 counties and the city of St. Louis.

“Missouri Republicans have spoken loud and clear today, affirming their trust in President Trump’s leadership and rejecting the failed policies of the Democrats in Washington,” said Nick Myers, chairman of the Missouri Republican Party.