And Colorado is one of only a handful of states that still use the method. Traditionally candidates go the party route - until this year. Democrat Dave Thomas said he will petition onto the primary ballot if he doesn't get enough caucus support. Senate President Tom Norton of Greeley, running against state Treasurer Bill Owens for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. Sen. Joan Johnson, D-Adams County, seeking the Democratic nomination for secretary of state.
Petitions can be an effective political strategy.
Some say collecting signatures is easier and less expensive than wooing active party members. It's also a good strategy for candidates running in crowded races, where candidates will be eliminated because there are only so many votes to go around. Because so many office seekers are going the petition route, voters likely will see the names of all the candidates in all the races. Some who are active in politics are ready to scrap the system. Johnson is among those who have advocated their demise and carried a bill in the state Legislature that would eliminate the caucuses, which are set in state statute.