Feb 15, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Iowa Democratic Party appoints new chair

Orion Rummler

Troy Price, former chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party, addresses the media on Feb. 7 in Des Moines, Iowa. Photo: Steve Pope/Getty Images

The Iowa Democratic Party announced its new chair on Saturday after Troy Price resigned in the wake of the state's disarrayed and delayed caucuses.

What's new: Rep. Mark Smith, minority leader of the Iowa House of Representatives, has taken the position.

What they're saying:

"@MarkSmithIowa represents Marshalltown in the Iowa State House, and formerly served as House Dem Leader. A sixth generation Iowan, Mark has the breadth of experience and record of leadership to strengthen our path to victory and elect Democrats up and down the ballot this Nov."
— the party tweeted Saturday

Go deeper: Anxieties over Nevada caucuses mount following Iowa chaos

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Ursula Perano

Nevada Democratic Party says it will look to move away from caucus system

Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

Nevada State Democratic Party chair William McCurdy II said in a statement Monday that the party will look to move to a primary system in future elections instead of caucuses.

Why it matters: Caucus systems for voting have come under increased scrutiny after the Iowa Democratic caucuses were plagued by software errors and inconsistencies in the results, culminating in the resignation of the state party's chair. Nevada's caucuses on Saturday were comparatively successful, but still faced some questions about the accuracy of the results.

Go deeperArrowFeb 24, 2020 - Politics & Policy
Rebecca Falconer

Harry Reid calls for the Democratic Party to end caucuses

Harry Reid after voting in the Nevada Democratic presidential caucus in Las Vegas. Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said in a statement to news outlets Sunday "it's time for the Democratic Party to move to primaries everywhere" and ditch the caucus system.

Why it matters: Reid remains the functional head of the Nevada Democrats. He's also "responsible for Nevada's caucuses occupying the third slot on the Democrats’ presidential nominating calendar," the New York Times notes.

Go deeperArrowFeb 24, 2020 - Politics & Policy
Ursula Perano

Sanders requests recount of Iowa recanvass after results show shrunken margin

Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Sen. Bernie Sanders said in a statement Tuesday night that he will request a recount of the Iowa Democratic Party's recanvass results.

Where it stands: Both Pete Buttigieg and Sanders requested partial recanvasses in Iowa last week after results were delayed and showed several errors following a software malfunction on caucus night.

Go deeperArrowFeb 19, 2020 - Politics & Policy