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Mass. Dems Launch Statewide Caucuses

BOSTON (AP) — Democratic candidates hoping to land a spot on September's primary ballot are entering a critical stage of their campaigns as party activists begin meeting in small caucuses across the state this weekend.

The caucuses will continue for the next month with the goal of electing 3,889 delegates and 1,525 alternates to attend the Massachusetts Democratic Convention in Worcester in June.

The selection process is key for candidates, who must win the backing of at least 15 percent of delegates to get their name on the Democratic primary ballot.

For veteran Democrats like Attorney General Martha Coakley and state Treasurer Steve Grossma, it shouldn't be a problem to pull in more than enough delegates for their gubernatorial runs, but the threshold could prove more daunting for some lesser-known candidates.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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