With three candidates in the Logan Municipal election receiving the support of a group called the Independence Caucus, a local Democratic Party leader is charging such endorsements are making the races in Logan partisan. “These are meant to be non partisan elections and we want to keep it that way,” said Cache County Democratic Party Chair Vince Wickwar. “In terms of the Independence Caucus starting with their questionnaire to people, which had to do with the Constitution, rather than local issues — and, in fact many legal scholars would probably take issue with their interpretation of the Constitution – that is not the basis for selecting local candidates.” The Independence Caucus has endorsed Mike Morrill for Mayor and Tony Wegener and Steve Stokes for City Council. Wickwar says he understands the involvement of the Caucus. “They appear to be trying to get a foothold in politics,” he said. “They started out about two years ago and were involved in one of the congressional races and claim some responsibility for unseating one of the candidates. They’re developing as a party. Their claim has been locally that of course they want people to speak about national issues because they’re trying to groom candidates for national office. “Is that what we really want?” he asked. “We want people who will look after our interests here in the valley. Which is one of the reasons we would like this to be non-partisan. “We didn’t really want to get into a partisan race and we’re being very careful not to endorse anyone. But, we are pointing out the partisan nature of three of the candidates.” Wickwar said his concern is that if the Independent Caucus wins in a few local races they will then try to win in other local races. “They are being very careful to call themselves a caucus and occasionally a PAC to try to make it look as though they’re not a party. But they are acting just like a party. “We have not been out there pushing any of the candidates,” he said, “and the Republican Party hasn’t been out there pushing any of the candidates. We’ve stayed out of the fray, which is only appropriate.” Wickwar argues the Independence Caucus has jumped into what might be considered a vacuum. “But it’s a vacuum we want to preserve.”