Camas GOP Caucus: Romney Wins; Turnout Overwhelms Event Organizers

This is the final report on the Camas GOP caucus held March 3 at Camas High School. More than 700 people attended the event. This video feature explains what happened.

Mitt Romney wins Camas GOP caucus; Turnout overwhelms party organizers

More than 700 people crammed into the Commons area at Camas High School on Saturday to vote in this year’s Republican caucus where presidential candidate Mitt Romney handily won the event’s straw poll.

The event was representative of all 23 Camas precincts and a total of 616 votes were cast for the four remaining GOP presidential candidates: Mitt Romney, Ron Paul, Rick Santorum, and Newt Gingrich.

Here’s how the votes tallied:

• Mitt Romney:  275 votes; 44.65%
• Ron Paul: 146 votes; 23.7%
• Rick Santorum: 132 votes; 21.4%
• Newt Gingrich: 63 votes; 10.2%

The turnout was much larger than expected and pressured party organizers to move the proceedings to the main Commons area at the center of the school. This caused about an hour delay, and kept voters waiting outside for long periods of time until the registration and precinct tables could be re-positioned.

Upon entrance voters registered their names, addresses, contact information and presidential preference.

More than 700 people gathered at Camas High School on March 3
to participate in the 2012 presidential GOP caucus. This was for
all 23 Camas precincts. The numbers overwhelmed party organizers.

Once settled into the new area, the precincts gather separately and reviewed party caucus rules. Each precinct voter acknowledged their presidential preference and whether they would want to be delegates to the county convention held on March 31.

The precincts voted on a pre-determined number of delegates, which were apportioned by the population of their respective precincts. For example, Precinct 960 voted on seven delegates and seven alternates. Of those seven delegates, four are Romney supporters, while three are Santorum supporters.

“I’m here to support Newt Gingrich,” said Caroline Cummings. “This is my first caucus event and there’s a lot happening here. I think Gingrich knows how to balance a budget and that’s one reason I support him.”

Caroline Cummings, left, and Scott Duer review and discuss
aspects of the caucus rules. Duer was elected as a delegate
from Precinct 960 to head to the Clark County GOP Convention.

Ron Paul supporters appeared to dominate the caucus by wearing Paul hats, pins, and shirts – they were clearly very organized and very vocal. They had the Romney people worried.

“I support Ron Paul because he’s the most consistent,” said Brian Kashas. “And he can’t be bought.”

Brian Kashas, center with glasses, came to caucus for Ron Paul.

Karen Mumford, center, awaits instructions from party organizers.

Scott Duer, a Santorum supporter, experienced his first caucus event. “There’s a lot to this,” he said. “I support Rick Santorum because I like that he’s a social conservative.”

Duer was elected as a delegate from Precinct 960 to move forward to the county convention. The county will vote on March 31 on which delegates to represent specific candidates at the state convention, which then choose the delegates to represent Washington at the GOP National Convention this summer in Florida.

Romney supporters won the day for the former Massachusetts governor.

“I like Romney because he’s a conservative, and has a proven record of fixing problems,” said Ben Yung. “I think he’s the only one that can beat Obama, and we have to beat Obama.”

It was just reported from Clark County GOP officials that Mitt Romney won the county’s straw poll with 37 percent of the vote. Ron Paul came in second, with 28.5 percent; Rick Santorum with 22.5 percent, and Newt Gingrich with 10.1 percent. Exact totals will likely be released on March 4.

Stay tuned for video footage from the caucus event.

Derrick Huckvale gets ready to sign in. 

Final votes from Precinct 960.

Anna Miller is assisted with the final vote tallies.

Mitt Romney wins Camas GOP caucus

Breaking news ... Camas Republicans held their caucus today and put presidential candidate Mitt Romney over the top with 275 votes. Ron Paul came in 2nd place with 146 votes; Rick Santorum got 132 votes and Newt Gingrich received 63 votes.

A full story is developing ... With video coverage.

Happenings

Republican Caucus: Saturday, March 3 at Camas High School. Voting begins at 10 am.


"The Secret Garden" by Camas Theatre: Saturday, March 3 at 7 pm at Camas High School. This is the second performance by the stellar cast and crew.

John Tesh Private Concert at Portland Prime

Saturday, March 10th at 12 noon

Your donation of $150 (per ticket) gets you into Portland Prime for the performance + appetizer buffet area and a champagne toast for each guest.  They will also provide non alcoholic beverages.

Contact Jeannie at Make-A-Wish: (503) 292-2280 ext 27 or Jeannie@orwish.org

Portland Metro RV Show

March 7-11

Tickets: $9 adults, $7 seniors (50+), under 15 free w/ adult (parking not included). The Portland Expo Center will be filled to the rafters with both RV products and people to provide visitors with information and assistance on the many amenities offered.  The Portland Metro RV Dealers is proud to sponsor the 2012 Portland RV Show and the pursuit of ultimate freedom that is the RV lifestyle.

Adam Carolla
Sunday, March 11

7:30 pm Newmark Theatre

Tickets: $41 - $57

The show features Adam performing his trademark comedy bits such as "What Can't Adam Complain About" and "Why I Hate LA" together with a hilarious presentation featuring pictures and video of all the great stories fans have come to love about Adam and his buddies growing up in North Hollywood. Celebrities often join the show as well to be interviewed by Adam via Skype from locations all over the world.

 Portland Timbers vs. Philadelphia Union

JELD-WEN Field

Monday, March 12

6:30pm - 8:30pm

WICKED

March 14-18

Keller Auditorium

Tickets: $51.25 & up 

Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One - born with emerald green skin - is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for "the most complete and completely satisfying new musical in a long time" (USA Today).

Preview: "The Secret Garden"

Here is the second preview of "The Secret Garden" which premieres Friday, March 2 at 7 pm at CHS Theatre (aka Camas High School).

These kids sing, dance, act and are supported by a very talented orchestra. Don't miss it!

"The Secret Garden" premieres March 2 at CHS Theatre

After months of preparation and weeks of rehearsals the cast, crew and orchestra of "The Secret Garden" are ready for opening night Friday, March 2 at 7 pm at CHS Theatre. Tickets are sold at the door, at the south entrance to Camas High School.

The play is based on the book by Marsha Norman, with music by Lucy Simon.

Show dates are March 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10 with a 7 pm curtain.

Don't miss it!!

Some of the cast at Wednesday's dress rehearsal
of "The Secret Garden."

Maddie Stevenson and Alana Moffett in character.

Jason Hamann and Micah Wise rehearse a scene.

Alana Moffett as "Mary" and Max Whittle as "Dickon."

Danielle Neblock as "Martha" with
Alana Moffett and Maddie Stevenson as "Collin".

The scenery in "The Secret Garden" is stellar.

Haley Sawyer and Micah Wise.

Stay Tuned for Our Upcoming FOOD section ...

Soon, Lacamas Magazine will bring its "digital" magazine to the site. You'll be able to go through and turn the pages electronically. With it, will be the popular FOOD section. What places do you want covered? Do you want to know more about?

Pacific Northwest Destinations: All Aboard! The Red Caboose Getaway in Sequim, WA

The Red Caboose Getaway, located in Sequim, WA is a romantic getaway with a twist.  Once you check in at the “Station” the manager shows you to your very own caboose.  From the outside it looks like your typical on-the-tracks caboose, but once you hop aboard and open the cabin door you’ll see a warm and inviting surprise.

Each caboose has its own theme.  On track one is the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad car.  Featuring items of a railway theme you’ll be ready to sport your conductor’s hat and holler “All Aboard”.  Don’t be deceived, if you look closely you can find many modern conveniences including your own refrigerator, TV/DVD, and natural gas stove to give your caboose that cozy feeling.  These conveniences along with the beautiful original hard wood floors, and fresh flowers are found in each of the cars.  It’s a great way to get away without leaving modern convenience behind.

The Red Caboose Getaway is for people who love trains
and want something different for their vacation.

Track two is a representation of the Orient Express, and even if you can’t tell from the outside one look through the cabin door makes it all clear.  The fabrics bear an Asian look, and the overstuffed bed and Jacuzzi tub call out begging you to come in and relax.

Track three is the circus car, but you won’t find any animals in this caboose.  Painted in sky blue and accented with bright colors this car is sure to be a hit with the kid inside all of us.  If you can’t leave the kids behind, don’t worry, this car has room for four. Steal away your own private getaway by enjoying the Jacuzzi tub also found in this car.

Then there’s the Western Car, complete with saloon swinging doors and an authentic antique claw foot tub.

No matter which caboose you stay the night in everyone comes together in the Burlington Dining Car for breakfast. With owners Olaf waiting tables, and his wife Charolette in the back cooking up breakfast you feel like a VIP.  Of course the menu is always changing, but a visit this time of year could provide a menu as delicious as baked Washington apples, and Dutch baby pancakes filled with freshly picked black berries.  Even before that you can start off with one of the many flavors of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea while enjoying a loaf of cinnamon roll bread.  Whatever the menu, you’re sure to enjoy Charolette’s fantastic cooking and Olaf’s warm and inviting personality.

Every moment from the time you board to the time you disembark will be filled with character, personality, and most of all, FUN. To book your reservation, call 360.683.7350.  Visit the website at www.redcaboosegetaway.com

The Dining Car

Inside one of the train cars.

Highlights Reel: From Girl's Basketball Regionals Game at Bellevue College

The CHS Girl's Basketball season came to an end on Saturday. Here are a few highlights.

Camas High School Girl’s Varsity Basketball Ends Season at Bellevue

The Camas High School Girl’s Varsity Basketball team fell to Franklin at Bellevue Community College Saturday night, with a final score 53-43.

It was a hard-fought game that pitted Camas against No. 4 seed Franklin in Regional play. Franklin moves to Top 8 in the state and Camas goes home, reflecting on an incredible season.

“I am so proud of our team,” said McKenna Jackson. “We played 100 percent for 32 minutes and sometimes it’s not enough and this season has been really great. I couldn’t ask for anything more. It’s a bummer we lost, yeah, but we’re all proud of what we accomplished.”

Jenka Stiasna gets ready to pass the ball at Regionals against
Franklin at Bellevue Community College.

Sydney Allen and Lauren Neff were the first Papermakers to score, while Kendra Preuninger got the first Camas three-pointer of the night and put Camas ahead 12-13 in the middle of the second quarter.

Jenka Stiasna put several on the board and made some nice plays down the court. Fouls abounded throughout the night with referees only calling out the worst offenses – on both sides. They really let them play hard.

Preuninger got the second three-pointer of the night, putting the score 20-18 Franklin.

Brenna Khaw made the third three-pointer of the night, putting the score 23-21 Franklin. Franklin was ahead 25-21 at halftime.

Early in the third quarter Tatum Schroeder made the third three-pointer of the night and tightened the game to 27-24 Franklin. What made the difference is that Franklin got most of their free throws, while Camas missed too many free throw opportunities – and it hurt more as the game progressed.

Schroeder made her second free throw of the night, coming within two at 29-27. The game tightened up after a fouled Schroeder made one of two free throws, putting the score at 29-28 with four minutes left in the third quarter.

Franklin then picked up major momentum at the end of the third quarter and into the last quarter. The score was 37-30 Franklin at the top of the fourth quarter. The Camas defense had a rough go.

Camas started to climb back with Allen making some great free throws and the score was 39-34. The last six minutes of play saw a lot of action as Franklin put several more points on the board with Schroeder making her third three-pointer of the game.

It wasn’t enough – with one minute left Franklin stayed on top 48-41. A few more baskets were made and the final score was 53-43.

The Camas season comes to an end.

It was a tough loss for the girls, but they smiled for the cameras.