DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Most Iowans could get unpaid time off work to attend the state's precinct caucuses under a measure being considered in an Iowa House committee.
The measure backed by Davenport Democrat Elesha Gayman would respond to criticism that the presidential caucuses unfairly exclude people who must work on weekday nights when the event is held. The proposal would exclude some emergency workers who can't be spared from their jobs.
The plan comes as Iowa activists already look ahead to 2012 and the never-ending task of protecting the state's leadoff position. Leaders in other states have sought to change the system, saying it's unfair that Iowa and New Hampshire gain so much attention and have so much power in the presidential nominating process.