Kentucky GOP had ulterior motive for caucus

Recently, Republicans in Kentucky held their presidential caucus, which was won by the despicable Donald Trump, with the equally vile Ted Cruz not far behind. The GOP held a caucus instead of their usual regular primary despite the fact that the Democrats will still have a regular primary in May. The reason usually given for this was so Rand Paul could run for both President and Senate at the same time.

Bull. That's not the main reason. If that was the case, all they needed to do was change the law to let a candidate run for both offices at once (which some states allow).

I didn't see the real reason at first, but when the caucus approached, I put 2 and 2 together and it made sense. The actual reason for the caucus was that there were 4 special elections only 3 days later that could have flipped control of the Kentucky House to the Republicans. Electioneering regulations don't necessarily apply at caucuses. So Republican candidates in the special elections were able to campaign at the polling place - where only Republicans voted.

That perfectly explains the timing of the caucus and the special elections, and why the Republicans had a caucus instead of a regular primary - while the Democrats' primary won't be for months.

This gambit backfired, as the Democrats went on to unexpectedly gain a seat in the special elections - despite media bias against them and a 25-to-1 fundraising disadvantage. The only thing the Republicans managed to prove is that their own party is unpopular by any raw measure.

The GOP is the party of outdated ideas and dwindling support that somehow manages to keep shambling along.