Iowa did itself proud once again

Iowans can take pride in another job well done this week.

Hundreds of thousands of Iowans met in groups small and large throughout the state Monday night to help the nation winnow each party's field of presidential candidates.

It's a first-in-the-nation role that Iowans take seriously, and a process made possible only through the generosity of thousands of unpaid volunteers, many of whom will remain active for years to come within their chosen political parties.

While the nation focuses on Iowa for the presidential contests, the caucuses were built as a way for political parties to identify and establish grass roots support systems. Those who caucus at the precinct level have the option of pursuing county, then district and finally state avenues of volunteerism. And it is largely the worker bees of those county organizations that provide structure, education and promotion of local elections and ballot questions.

Although quirky, the system works. It continually encourages young people and new state residents to embrace more active civic roles.

The addition of technology, allowing Republicans and Democrats in Iowa's nearly 1,700 precincts to more easily deliver presidential data to Des Moines leaders had a solid first run. We were especially pleased the national pressure of slow returns did not result in Democrats releasing unofficial or inaccurate results. Near record turnout throughout the state contributed to reporting delays and, by our estimation, that's a good problem to have.

There will always be naysayers; those who believe Iowa and New Hampshire should not lead the presidential nominating calendar. Actions, however, speak louder than words.

Iowans successfully conduct a difficult and highly scrutinized process every four years. And while the national media is present for only the final show, each caucus night is the result of months of coordinated planning by Republicans and Democrats. Gatherings in homes, barns, libraries and school gyms require the type of face-to-face communication between neighbors that is all too rare in our social-media-hyped modern society.

So kudos to our readers who participated at any point along this yearlong political marathon that ended on caucus night. The current break is well-deserved and should be well-spent. Planning begins anew in a few short months.

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