The Presidential nominating process is a long and grueling race that will test the metal of any candidate. And it all starts right here in our tiny state of Iowa. We kick off the nominating process each cycle with our first in the nation caucuses. But should we?

Democratic candidate Julian Castro is the latest to question the Iowa caucuses. It's unusual he did since he was campaigning here at the time. He stated that Iowa and Massachusetts don't deserve to go first because the two states don't represent the nation's true demographics. I'll give him that. Iowa is a state not known for its great ethnic diversity. Castro also spoke out against the caucus process saying that requiring people to show up in person shuts out numerous people due to work schedules and physical disabilities. But don't you have to show up in person to vote in any other format?

Castro is the first and won't be the last to question whether Iowa deserves to be first. Perhaps he's just looking for some attention to a failing campaign. But I will tell you this. Iowans take their first in the nation status very seriously. If you want to win here, you have to do it right. Come out and meet us. Sit and eat with us. Hold our children and promise them a better future. And in return? We just might start your path to the White House. Maybe.

Since 1972, the Iowa caucuses have had a 43% success rate at predicting which Democrat and a 50% success rate at predicting which Republican would go on to win their parties nomination. Bill Clinton didn't win the Iowa caucuses in 1992. Ronald Reagan didn't win Iowa in 1980. Donald Trump didn't win the Iowa caucuses in 2016. All went on to become president. Maybe there is hope for Julian Castro after all.

 

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