Answers: Caucus prep

How do you decide who to support in the caucuses and how early do you start that process?

FROM OUR INBOX

I never stop evaluating potential candidates. It's my responsibility for choosing to vote. Shame on those who don't investigate those we might foist off on our fellow citizens.

Michael J.

Cedar Rapids

I try to pick the candidate that most people from the other party will vote for. Meaning, the closest to the middle of the spectrum. Unfortunately, this doesn't work out so well, because most candidates have to 'out-Democrat” or 'out-Republican” their competition just to get the party nomination; after which, they moderate their opinions to chase the swing voters, making themselves look like flip-floppers.

As a registered Republican who didn't vote Republican in three of the last four elections, it upsets me that my party does such a bad job at advancing candidates that are viable on their own political merits, and that the gamesmanship of the electoral cycle gets in the way of electing a real representative that reflects the views of their constituents.

James T.

Des Moines

If the candidates have a voting record from holding prior public office, it's the responsibility of the voters to closely examine it to determine if their votes upheld and obeyed the U.S. Constitution.

Failure to do so has put us in the dire straits we're now in.

Lan N.

Cedar Rapids

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FROM FACEBOOK

' Denny F.: I've been a volunteer in the schools for 35 years and the Republicans keep cutting, cutting, cutting. I am seriously thinking about volunteering on Hillary's campaign. She has the experience I look for in a leader.

' Mike I.: First step is that they can't be a Clinton or a Bush.

' Andrew R.: We've been dealing with the lesser of two evils for so long that we've set the bar way too low.

' Tommy A.: Determine who is the best Democrat and support.

' Zach L.: I want a politician that follows the Constitution and one who will decrease our debt. Ted Cruz has the early lead for me.

' Michael J.: Hillary failed at her last job. Four Americans died on her watch and she deleted her emails to hide the truth. This is the person some feel would lead this nation.

' Jason S.: Campaigns are misleading. I haven't voted and choose not to until there's someone to fight for 'We the People.”

' Terry S.: Rand Paul is my guy. Someone needs to put a foot on the government power and corporate welfare. I think he's the one to do it. No more bailouts for the wealthy, no more free passes for the elite.

' Kevin J.K.: It's time to cut supporting lifelong politicians pay, benefits and other entitlement they claim they deserve.

' Jake M.: Give me Rand Paul. Closest thing to Libertarian we're gonna get.

' Chandra J.: Hillary already has my vote.

' Lee B.: I'd like to say Sen. Rand Paul due to his work in Kentucky with Constitutional Carry. I am a big Dr. Ron Paul fan due to his staunch support of The Constitution and lack of tolerance for illegal actions. My problem, I don't and won't vote D or R anymore.

' Erik K.: I figure out who the news corporations support and then I don't vote for any of them.

' Brian B.: I get involved as soon as it's time to vote. I also don't base my decision on campaign ads, so please knock off the bombardment.

' Allen L.: The caucus is a joke, the same with straw polls and polls in general.

' Terry M.: Way too early for this new crap of lies.

' Leah G.: Definitely no Clinton or Bush!