Caucus

a meeting of voters to nominate candidates for office or to name delegates to a nominating convention. In American politics a caucus is strictly a party affair. It is not considered honorable to participate in a caucus held by an opposing party, and in many states such a practice is forbidden by law. In case a United States senator is to be elected it is not unusual for the legislative members of each party to caucus, that is, meet to decide upon a candidate to be supported in formal ballot by the entire party strength. A nomination in caucus by the prevailing party is almost equivalent to an election, as all who enter a caucus are held, according to political codes, to abide by the action of that caucus. The word is first used of certain gatherings of the popular leaders of Boston under the lead of Samuel Adams, to decide upon policies and candidates for office. Thus John Adams wrote in his diary under date of February, 1753: "This day found that the Caucus Club meets at certain times in the yard of Tom Dawes, adjutant of the Boston (militia) regiment." See Samuel Adams