Vote 2012: Messy Caucuses in Nevada, Iowa Raise Questions

Republican presidential candidate, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum addresses supporters at his Iowa caucus victory party Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012, in Johnston, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

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By Lauren Peikoff

Story Created: Feb 7, 2012 at 8:09 AM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 7, 2012 at 8:09 AM CDT

LAS VEGAS (AP) - After fiascos in Nevada and Iowa, the term "caucus" may be on its way to becoming a bad word in the GOP lexicon.

Those troubled contests cast a shadow over the volunteer-run presidential selection process just as the GOP's caucus season begins Tuesday night in Colorado and Minnesota. In all, 10 states are scheduled to hold caucuses in February and March.

For now, national Republicans have shied away from calling for the end of caucuses in favor of straight-vote primaries. Critics say it is only a matter of time before the caucus troubles become too great to ignore.

Republican Party leaders in other states say they are confident that they can avoid the problems that defined the Nevada and Iowa contests.

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