He was even more successful in the nonprimary states, where his devoted followers made certain that delegate-selection caucuses voted his way.
The process that Minnesota and Colorado use, holding separate votes for presidential preference and delegate selection at their caucuses, is essentially the same one that was used in Iowa.
But a "yes" vote could be perilous for candidates running in Republican candidate-selection primaries and caucuses, which often hinge on winning over tea party and conservative Republicans.
Other recent selections, following primaries and caucuses: "rabble-rouser" ("Our users love agent nouns like this," Otto said), "rodomontade" ("vainglorious boasting or bragging"), and "skulduggery" ("dishonorable proceedings").
No delegates are actually selected at the caucuses.
Then another dispute arose: Sistani objected to the C.P.A.'s proposal to hold regional caucuses for the selection of Iraq's interim government.
Cruz has begun making appearances in states that hold the early primaries and caucuses in the selection process for presidential candidates, as well as making moves to raise money for what could be a high-profile campaign.
The commission's recommendations, which the Democratic Party quickly adopted, required every state party to open up its delegate-selection process to ordinary voters through caucuses or primaries.
One of the most recent polls shows Gingrich pulling away from the pack in Iowa, where the first selection of the Republican candidate takes place in caucuses next month.
Iowa's precinct caucuses, the first step in the presidential selection process, will be held Jan . 3
With only two days left before the first votes are cast in the Iowa caucuses, the kickoff to America's extended presidential selection process is nearly upon us.
