Slog News & Arts

Line Out

Music & Nightlife

« Oranges for Obama | Stranger Caucus Watch: Seattle... »

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Stranger Caucus Watch: Beyond Seattle

posted by on February 9 at 13:28 PM

If you caucused outside of Seattle proper today, here’s your open thread. Tell us who won your precinct, who cheated, who looked crazy, and how it all felt.

RSS icon Comments

1

I caucused with precinct 702 in Port Townsend. I can't do it justice with words. See the photos:

Hillary Clinton Supporters: http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc205/DavidJFaber/DSC00230.jpg?t=1202593668

Barack Obama supporters:
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc205/DavidJFaber/DSC00231.jpg?t=1202593667

Posted by fonky | February 9, 2008 1:48 PM
2

hahaha... that one guy in your Hillary shot doesn't look too happy.

Posted by crk on bellevue ave | February 9, 2008 1:56 PM
3

I caucused with the 37th at Madrona Elementary. My mother, who's down in the south end, is telling me that the volunteers there are NOT letting people leave, and suspects it's because the volunteers are Clintonites to a man.

Posted by Ursula | February 9, 2008 1:57 PM
4

That's at Orcas Elementary; my mom says she's there for 37-1652. She says they're absolutely not letting anyone leave despite the fact that the WA Dems' front page says they're allowed to.

Posted by Ursula | February 9, 2008 2:04 PM
5

man (or woman) tries to keep you down?
punch em in the face and get a mob to back you up

RIOT AT THE CACUSE

Posted by linus | February 9, 2008 2:16 PM
6

man (or woman) tries to keep you down?
punch em in the face and get a mob to back you up

RIOT AT THE CACUSE

Posted by linus | February 9, 2008 2:17 PM
7

My parents just caucused for Obama way out in Duvall... They said they couldn't imagine that any more people could possibly fit in the gym at Cherry Valley Elementary. They reported a big showing of Obama supporters out there. You go country bumpkins! Ha!

Posted by Queen_of_Sleaze | February 9, 2008 2:26 PM
8

Precinct 233, Bellingham, WWU Viking Union

Obama 130, Clinton 12. We were all packed into a little room, so if we were committed we could leave to make room for more people. Discussions lasted for awhile, but basically a hilarious Obama landslide. Woop woop!

Posted by Marcel Duchump | February 9, 2008 2:31 PM
9

Eastside caucus (Bellevue/Redmond) - Held in a middle school cafeteria, it was packed, lots of first time people (myself included). People were saying "I never realized until this year that the primary doesn't matter."

Big Obama momentum, our precinct ended up 75% Obama 25% Clinton (3 delegates and 1 delegate). At first people were hesitant to get into it, lots of polite chit-chat, then toward the end people got less shy. Some semi-heated words about Clinton's support of the war, several undecideds ended up going Obama, none of those who came in with a candidate changed their mind.

Bottom line - Fun but it seemed no one knew what was going on. I hope the lack of organization doesn't reflect how the Democratic party is going to run the general election.

Posted by eastside | February 9, 2008 2:34 PM
10

District 42, Precinct 213 (Bellingham, Lettered Streets E-J) @ St. Paul's Episcopal School

Obama 9
Clinton 2

Over 150 people, undecided broke evenly between Clinton and Obama.

Posted by don't break the oath | February 9, 2008 2:37 PM
11

I just got back from Tiffany Park Elementary caucusing in precinct 11-2581. It was really crowded as they had 8 precincts in a tiny gym. Ours went 5-2 in favor of Obama. It was rather hectic but not out of control.

Posted by Mike of Renton | February 9, 2008 2:37 PM
12

I'm a mid-30s white mom who just caucused for Obama in Lake Stevens. I'd say folks were split coming in, and I had to leave before the delegates were allocated. In my precinct, all of the Hillary supporters who spoke were middle-aged and slightly older women. All of the under 30s who spoke favored Obama, as did all of the men of any age who spoke. There were a handful of undecideds. Several people said it was a difficult decision and that they would be happy with either candidate ultimately. The large Middle School's cafeteria was packed, but a party official said turnout was less than expected. Poor organization was evident: far too few seats for many precincts, very difficult to hear, some confusion about forms and what people were required to answer. Party repeatedly solicited donations. Many folks I spoke with were unhappy about the primary not counting for Dems.

Posted by KW | February 9, 2008 2:39 PM
13

Jam packed caucus in Bellevue/Eastgate. But I was the only one to show up for my precinct (mostly businesses) so I became a one man delegate for Obama. As for the other tables, all the ones I saw were favoring Obama.

Posted by NemoD | February 9, 2008 2:41 PM
14

Oh yah, on my post above, that was body count, not delegates. Precinct 233 had 11 delegates: Obama got 10 and Clinton got 1.

Posted by Marcel Duchump | February 9, 2008 2:42 PM
15

Edmonds: the middle school lunch room was packed and hot. Fairly organized. About 10 or 12 precincts crammed together. My precinct had around 30, up from 5 last time. IIRC, when I left delegates to the district convention were running 4 to Obama, 3 to Clinton, and 1 to Kucinich.

Saw a woman in my precinct that I went on a date with 30 years ago.

Posted by pox | February 9, 2008 2:42 PM
16

Bellevue 48-149
2 delegates Clinton
2 delegates Obama

Posted by Bob Kinney | February 9, 2008 2:43 PM
17

just got a call from my sister in Precinct 6143 - Spokane, WA. Delegates are split as so:

Obama 7, Clinton 2

OBAMA!

Posted by grant | February 9, 2008 2:43 PM
18

Issaquah went for Obama big time. Huge turnout- twice 2004. No shenanigans evident.

My precinct was 28 for Obama, 7 for Clinton, 2 undecideds, and 1 for Edwards (?). Very polite arguments, one undecided broke for Clinton. Net net: 5 delegates for Obama, 1 for Clinton.

Posted by Big Sven | February 9, 2008 2:53 PM
19

Pac 30-2085

About 8 different Precincts in the Senior Center. Smallest was ours with 11 people to decide 5 delegates. The largest had maybe 30 people show up (they moved them to the gym cause we were over capacity for the room.

Delegates:
4 for Sen Clinton
1 for Sen Obama

Overall our table decided we'd vote Dem regardless.

No one had an idea what the hell we were doing, and the amount of forms we had was confusing.

Posted by barb | February 9, 2008 2:57 PM
20

District 40, Precinct 155 (Whatcom County, Chuckanut)

5-1-1 Obama-Clinton-Undecided

Wasn't at this one, just got the call from a family member.

Posted by don't break the oath | February 9, 2008 2:59 PM
21

I just caucused in Tacoma. Have no idea how it turned out because we had to leave before it was over.
It was chaos. I have no faith that my vote got counted fairly or accurately.
While it was a fun excercise in the democratic process (which is very flawed by the way) I don't think anyone could argue that the process has to change.

Posted by jean genie | February 9, 2008 3:04 PM
22

I just caucused in Tacoma. Have no idea how it turned out because we had to leave before it was over.
It was chaos. I have no faith that my vote got counted fairly or accurately.
While it was a fun excercise in the democratic process (which is very flawed by the way) I don't think anyone could argue that the process has to change.

Posted by jean genie | February 9, 2008 3:05 PM
23

Dad on Orcas Island (37-1652) is reporting Obama-7, Clinton-1, Kucinich-1

Posted by John Wulff | February 9, 2008 3:06 PM
24

ps- I was the youngest of the Clinton Seven by 20 years. And I'm 39.

Posted by Big Sven | February 9, 2008 3:06 PM
25

North Kirkland at Peter Kirk Elementary. Six precincts total. In 2004, 114 people turned out to caucus. Compare that to today's total of 351 voters total.

We split early, but can report that in our precinct (KIR 45-0327), six of our delegates went to Obama (60 votes), and the remaining one went to Clinton (13 votes). The three Edwards supporters switched to support Obama before anyone was given a chance to make a case for their candidate.

While I didn't get totals for the other precincts, Obama clearly led by wide margins across the board. And, I am happy to report, the Democratic party is well represented in North Kirkland.

Posted by Tom | February 9, 2008 3:07 PM
26

Just got home from a caucus in Olympia. It was a huge turnout and the youth vote made up about half of all the voters. Lots of passionate Hillary supporters but Obama cleaned up in the in end. 65 Obama and 23 for Hillary in our precinct. The precinct was 243.

Oh and I was elected a delegate fro the Obama camp, so that was neat.

Posted by Brandon Dismuke | February 9, 2008 3:10 PM
27

District 45, Jane Precinct (Kirkland)

I just got back from Juanita High School. We had overflow crowds and had to split off into classrooms by precinct.

Our precinct is sending 4 Obama delegates, 1 Clinton delegate and 1 Undecided to the April 5th Legislative caucus. I signed on as an alternate delegate for that.

Posted by Peter F | February 9, 2008 3:11 PM
28

District 45, Jane Precinct (Kirkland)

I just got back from Juanita High School. We had overflow crowds and had to split off into classrooms by precinct.

Our precinct is sending 4 Obama delegates, 1 Clinton delegate and 1 Undecided to the April 5th Legislative caucus. I signed on as an alternate delegate for that.

Posted by Peter F | February 9, 2008 3:13 PM
29

Just finished at Ferndale, WA Precint 501:

Obama 4
Clinton 2

In talking to the other precints in the building, it looks like Ferndale overwhelmingly went for Barack Obama! YES WE CAN!

Posted by Sherry Zeilstra | February 9, 2008 3:14 PM
30

District 45, Jane Precinct (Kirkland)

I just got back from Juanita High School. We had overflow crowds and had to split off into classrooms by precinct.

Our precinct is sending 4 Obama delegates, 1 Clinton delegate and 1 Undecided to the April 5th Legislative caucus. I signed on as an alternate delegate for that.

Posted by Peter F | February 9, 2008 3:14 PM
31

32-1021 (Shoreline), unofficially:
5 Obama
2 Clinton
Around 70 people attended.

Posted by S. Ben Melhuish | February 9, 2008 3:17 PM
32

Just back from Bremerton Dist. 005 at the high school. of our 12 delegates, 8 went to Obama, 4 to Clinton. Not bad considering this is the heart of Navy/Norm Dicks territory, and he endorsed Hillary. In fact, his endorsement was the only point put forward by Hillary's supporters. If B'town if for Obama 2-1, I'd say the rest of the area has to be even stronger for Obama.

Posted by Gabriel Lee | February 9, 2008 3:19 PM
33

I've just caucused at Discovery Elementary School in Vancouver (way down south, just across the river from Portland).

In my precinct, the delegates were split:
9 for Obama
5 for Hillary

In all the neighboring precincts, the votes were divided roughly 2-to-1 in favor of the Junior Senator from Illinois. Go Barack!

Posted by Ollie | February 9, 2008 3:20 PM
34

Precinct 31-621, Bonney Lake: We had 54 people, 36 Obama, 14 Clinton, 3 undecided, and 1 Edwards. (What?)

Overall for the 31st precinct, we had about 250 people in total, and I'd say our Obama/Clinton split was pretty typical - probably about 60/40 overall.

Posted by Anne-Marie | February 9, 2008 3:20 PM
35

Legislative district 5, Francis precinct.
Only 24 of us but given this is not the hot bed of democrats it was impressive. They had to open additional rooms as the crowds were so large. I actually ran into traffic coming out of maple valley and it turns out they were all headed to the caucus.
19 obama/4 clinton/1 undecided. Obame got 3 delegates, Clinton 1.

Posted by jamesb | February 9, 2008 3:26 PM
36

Just back from Bremerton Dist. 005 at the high school. of our 12 delegates, 8 went to Obama, 4 to Clinton. Not bad considering this is the heart of Navy/Norm Dicks territory, and he endorsed Hillary. In fact, his endorsement was the only point put forward by Hillary's supporters. If B'town is for Obama 2-1, I'd say the rest of the area has to be even stronger for Obama.

Posted by Gabriel Lee | February 9, 2008 3:26 PM
37

jean genie-

I have no faith that my vote got counted fairly or accurately.

Explain yourself. You signed in, right? you put down a presidential preference, right? Are you suggesting that you think your precinct chair would throw out the sheet you and four others signed? Why do you think this?

Posted by Big Sven | February 9, 2008 3:31 PM
38

Legislative district 5, Francis precinct.
Only 24 of us but given this is not the hot bed of democrats it was impressive. They had to open additional rooms as the crowds were so large. I actually ran into traffic coming out of maple valley and it turns out they were all headed to the caucus.
19 obama/4 clinton/1 undecided. Obame got 3 delegates, Clinton 1.

Posted by jamesb | February 9, 2008 3:32 PM
39

Just finished at Ferndale, WA Precint 501:

Obama 4
Clinton 2

In talking to the other precints in the building, it looks like Ferndale overwhelmingly went for Barack Obama! YES WE CAN!

Posted by Sherry Zeilstra | February 9, 2008 3:33 PM
40

Up in Kenmore (precinct 32-0473), we started out with 27 for Obama, 11 for Clinton, and 4 undecided (which would've resulted in 3 delegates for Obama, 1 for Clinton and 1 for Undecided). 2 undecideds broke for Obama, and the other two didn't change. So we ended up sending 4 delegates for Obama, and 1 for Clinton. Woot!

Posted by Nigel | February 9, 2008 3:39 PM
41

32-1021 (Shoreline), unofficially:
5 Obama
2 Clinton
Around 70 people attended.

Posted by S. Ben Melhuish | February 9, 2008 3:39 PM
42

I've just caucused at Discovery Elementary School in Vancouver (way down south, just across the river from Portland).

In my precinct, the delegates were split:
9 for Obama
5 for Hillary

In all the neighboring precincts, the votes were divided roughly 2-to-1 in favor of the Junior Senator from Illinois. Go Barack!

Posted by ollie | February 9, 2008 3:43 PM
43

Kingswood precinct in unincorporated Bothell ended up with 3 delegates for Obama and 1 for Clinton. I don't know about the other precincts but there were about 7 others in the cafeteria with us. According to those that were at the last caucus, this was a significantly larger crowd. There were probably about 200+ people today.

A few observations: The only partisan volunteers campaigning there were for Clinton. They had a dozen signs, Hillary stickers and flyers. There was one Obama sign and a woman with an Obama shirt.

In the precinct discussion, Clinton voters were very knowledgeable about her stance on issues and her policies. Obama voters less so about their candidate. It appears that style is swaying people over substance.

Posted by PA Native | February 9, 2008 3:47 PM
44

Up here in Anacortes 201, we had 53 show up.

Obama 4
Clinton 2

A lot of sweet older ladies which made me worry about a Clinton win. The caucus chairs seemed perhaps poorly trained. Instead of grouping up and then persuading people from the other side, it just turned into a bunch of speeches from either side. It didn't really matter though--not a single person changed their vote as it was initially placed.

Posted by Kevin Erickson | February 9, 2008 3:50 PM
45

sorry for the triple post. Slog is overwhelmed..

Posted by Peter F | February 9, 2008 3:53 PM
46

In case anyone here cares about Spokane, at least in the four precincts including downtown and the urban neighborhoods immediately southwest, the support went OVERWHELMINGLY to Obama. In my precinct (3152), of 15 delegates, 11 went to Obama, three for Clinton, and one undecided. There were three others meeting at our location, and the results were basically the same.

Our precinct actually started running out of people to designate as alternate delegates. Apparently it was far and away the highest turnout ever, too. Very uplifting stuff. I felt so civic I actually bought a box of campfire girl cookies for once on the way home!

Posted by Spokane Brad | February 9, 2008 3:56 PM
47

45th District, Kirkland --

Lots of folks, but not chaotic. Everything seemed to go smoothly, and my precinct (Victor) ended up with 4 Obama delegates and 1 for Clinton. We had one guy (reportedly a Republican) show up that was uncommitted, but one person wasn't enough to earn any delegates.

Here's a photo of the crowd in the Juanita High School cafeteria: http://flickr.com/photos/mtomas/2253804736/


Posted by Mark Tomas | February 9, 2008 3:57 PM
48

From the Anacortes Senior Center, precincts 119 and 158:

Precinct 119 had 80 people for Obama, 30 people for Clinton, 3 undecideds. This was my first caucus, and I'm told that in 2004 this precinct only had a turnout of 18 people.

Obama 7 delegates, Clinton 3.

Precinct 158 had 63 folks for Obama, 12 for Clinton, and 2 undecideds. Not much of a youth turnout from these particular Fidalgo Island neighborhoods, so it was really nice to see this overwhelmingly white, older crowd come out for Obama.

Obama 7 delegates, Clinton 1.

Posted by F/V Nerka | February 9, 2008 3:58 PM
49

This is a repost from a lower thread:

There was a traffic jam a mile long to get to Pacific Cascade Middle School (on Issaquah-Fall City Road, on the Samammish Plateau). The parking lot was packed, and people were parking all over the neighborhood across the street and along the roads. Really enthusiastic and HUGE crowd.

Our precinct (ISS 05-0548) went:
46- Obama
16- Hillary
Most people stuck around for the arguements, but there were no switches. So our delegates were 5 for Obama, 2 for Hillary. Saw lots of people I recognized from around town, and they seemed to be pretty pro-Obama.

I saw Big Sven, but didn't say Hi because it was packed. And because I already know where he stands.

Pictures from it are on my Flickr and I added some to the Stranger Photo Group: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ipomoea/

My mom caucussed for the first time in Maple Valley, and she said her precinct delegates went 2 for Obama and 1 for Clinton. My mom is sounding pretty idealistic and hopeful about Obama, which makes me very, very excited.

Posted by Jessica | February 9, 2008 4:04 PM
50

Kent 47-3344 My precinct went 76% Obama 24% Hillary for 4 to 1 delegate split in favor of Obama. Meridian Jr. High was packed with around 300 people estimated

Posted by DAVE RAFTIS | February 9, 2008 4:05 PM
51

Auburn, 47-0047. 35 people, compared to 8 in 2004 (which broke records then!), split pretty evenly Obama-Clinton. Most of the other precincts at Auburn High on which I kibitzed seemed split about the same, about 4-3 in most cases. No heated debates; pretty much everyone is agreed that they'd be thrilled to vote for either one.

Nothing was set up for that number of people attending, of course, so things were very disorganized and confusing, but those of us who a) are bossy, and b) had been at previous caucuses kept things moving and got all the pieces of paper in the yellow envelope at the end. ;-)

Posted by Geni | February 9, 2008 4:06 PM
52

Vashon Island, Biloxi Precinct- about 80 people

Obama 5
Clinton 0
Uncommitted 1

Overall turnout on the island was much bigger than 2004 with the majoity appearing to be Pro-Bama.

Posted by Arf | February 9, 2008 4:06 PM
53

My precinct in Bellevue's District 41 went Obama 25 votes, Clinton 15 votes.

Delegates:
Obama 4
Clinton 2

Posted by Steve | February 9, 2008 4:07 PM
54

Bellingham WA, precinct 231

(Garden St., High, Forest 900 block - 1100 block... pretty much)

around 75% first time caucus goers.

Obama-8
Undecided-1

Total voters about 120.

Friends in Precinct 234 say:

Obama-9
Undecided-1
Clinton-1

About 130

Posted by Patrick Weber/ Joe Hogan | February 9, 2008 4:09 PM
55

Precinct 234 (Bellingham)

130(ish) people showed up. Initial vote was 82% Obama, 9% Clinton, 9% undecided. End vote didn't change much. Pretty large youth turnout (I would say 50%ish), but also a lot of middle aged/elderly people. Several high school students and LOTS of college student (it's right by WWU).

10 deligates for Obama (yours truly included)
1 for Clinton and
1 Undecided.

Anyone else in Whatcom County read the Whatcom Democrats platform and think "man, too bad the NATIONAL platform wasn't a little more like this"! Repeal NAFTA, decriminalize marijuana, LGBTQ rights front and center, amnesty for undocumented immigrants... I was impressed.

Posted by SDizzle | February 9, 2008 4:10 PM
56

Eastside 05-2690
78% Obama
22% Clinton

The caucus is a challenging set-up but everyone was committed to see it through. What a great day. The gym was packed.

Posted by Bryon | February 9, 2008 4:15 PM
57

Eastside 05-2690
78% Obama
22% Clinton

Delegates: 5 Obama, 1 Clinton

The caucus is a challenging set-up but everyone was committed to see it through. What a great day. The gym was packed.

Posted by Bryon | February 9, 2008 4:16 PM
58

This was my first caucus and I was excited. I moved to Bellevue from So. California a couple of years ago and never had the opportunity.

Our precinct was allotted 5 delegates. After the first count, the split was 3-2 Obama with one uncommitted. It would have taken 4 more Obama folks to get a 4-1 split. We got 3: the uncommitted person and 2 Hillary people.

What I loved were the impassioned speeches. The tone was passionate but respectful of both candidates. Classy.

I was elected as a delegate. Can't wait! Obama, of course.


Posted by Gail | February 9, 2008 4:17 PM
59

32-Buckner

I think there were a total of some 25 precincts at our school (at least it seemed that way) and several precincts had to split off to another part of the school since the cafeteria ran out of room. We had about 20 people in my precinct alone.

The first count was 13 - Obama, 2 - Clinton and 2 - Undecided.

Everyone spoke about why they were voting for their candidate. A few folks said Clinton is too inherently divisive to win in November and they feared a McCain win so they were voting for Obama. This one couple said they hadn't been so excited for an election since JFK ran.

The final tally was 15 - Obama, 3 CLinton (we had a latecomer show up) and no undecideds.

5 - Obama
1 - Clinton

Posted by thehawke | February 9, 2008 4:20 PM
60

We were at Roosevelt Elementary in Clark County. With five precincts caucusing (150,160, 170, 175, 185) Barack got 27 delegates to Clinton's 17. In past years each precinct only had 6 people show up. This year ~20-25 people showed up for some of the precincts!

Posted by katielady | February 9, 2008 4:21 PM
61

Jessica@49-

The key was to take a motorcycle (smaller carbon footprint!) and just ride on the shoulder of Issaquah-Fall City Rd. Also meant I could park essentially anywhere.

Although if I was really hardcore, I would have bicycled.

Posted by Big Sven | February 9, 2008 4:22 PM
62

Just back from the caucuses in Walla Walla (NOT a hotbed of liberalism). We had a huge crowd, very engaged. I don't know about the other precincts, but ours will send 1 Clinton and 3 Obama delegates to the county convention.

Posted by Nancy Monacelli | February 9, 2008 4:22 PM
63

From rural Whidbey Island: huge turnout. Each of the precincts in our room sent 7 county delegates for Obama and 3 for Clinton.

Posted by Eleanor's Papa | February 9, 2008 4:30 PM
64

From rural Whidbey Island: huge turnout. Each of the precincts in our room sent 7 county delegates for Obama and 3 for Clinton.

Posted by Eleanor's Papa | February 9, 2008 4:31 PM
65

District 48 (Bellevue)
East side was all about Obama. We were stuffed into a gym - folks were in the hallways and there was concern that there wouldn't be enough sign in sheets (apparently, they only had enough for 1,000 people!). There were a lot of different precincts meeting there today.

It was very obvious that the vast majority of people favored Barack. Most everyone was wearing a Obama '08 pin (they were handing them out when you walked in). It sure seemed that support for him was overwhelming, which was great to see.

I grew up in NY, so the whole caucus thing is totally new to me. I thought it was really interesting that there were Obama & Clinton stickers & posters and buttons all over. Usually, they're not allowed to get near you when you go to vote and you'll never see a poster where you're voting.

After the initial info was read and the speeches were made (including one lady who had said she was speaking for Hillary and then turned out to be for Obama - which didn't go over very well), they sent several of the precincts off into classrooms so that we could all be together and include the folks who couldn't fit into the gym.

First vote in my precinct (2206) was 26 Obama, 13 Clinton and 2 Undecided. None of the Clinton folks wanted to speak on her behalf. One guy spoke on Obama's behalf and then there were general questions which got a little out of control as they became less questions and more "statements". After all that, 1 of the Undecideds switched to Obama.

It ended with us have 2 Obama and 1 Clinton delegates. Oh yeah, rumor is that there only 12 Republicans (total) showed up to caucus in a different room at the same location. Apparently, they originally were going to give the space to the Dems to use and then changed their minds. I guess they wanted us to suffer a little (haven't we suffered enough?)

Posted by Amygeek | February 9, 2008 4:31 PM
66

Add on to 31-621 Bonney Lake: Our precinct delegates went 10 Obama/3 Hillary.

I'm so excited to see the participation and the action! Democracy ROCKS!

But like many places, the disorganization factor was high. The ladies running our site never explained the process; didn't explain that the delegates should be proportionate to the vote (e.g. 10 Obama supporters, 3 Hillary) nor that you are not allowed to have an "undecided" delegate.

Ah well. Next time we'll have a much better, more experience population.

Posted by Anne-Marie | February 9, 2008 4:31 PM
67

Report from Redmond. We caucused at Redmond Town Center, in the same building as a group of grade-schoolers taking a test - what's up with that? I guess no one could have predicted such a large caucus turnout... My precinct had 3 delegates for Obama and 1 for Clinton.

Posted by James McDaniel | February 9, 2008 4:31 PM
68

I'm in district 48 in central Redmond. My precinct had 4 delegates and 31 people showed up-- 1 uncommitted (not for any reason other than that he wanted us to send an uncommitted delegate), 2 for Hillary, and 28 for Obama. All four of our delegates went to Obama. In district 48, support was overwhelmingly for Obama, though Hillary did have some staunch supporters.

My second caucus ever, and a great example of democracy in action, though the organization was a little messy. The discussions were especially interesting and enjoyable.

Posted by Vanessa | February 9, 2008 4:35 PM
69

Kingswood precinct in unincorporated Bothell ended up with 3 delegates for Obama and 1 for Clinton. I don't know about the other precincts but there were about 7 others in the cafeteria with us. According to those that were at the last caucus, this was a significantly larger crowd. There were probably about 200+ people today.

A few observations: The only partisan volunteers campaigning there were for Clinton. They had a dozen signs, Hillary stickers and flyers. There was one Obama sign and a woman with an Obama shirt.

In the precinct discussion, Clinton voters were very knowledgeable about her stance on issues and her policies. Obama voters less so about their candidate. It appears that style is swaying people over substance.

Posted by PA Native | February 9, 2008 4:35 PM
70

Caucus in Redmond at Alcott...our precinct (weeks) reported 6 for Obama 2 for Clinton 1 uncommitted. So many people they had to send groups to other parts of the school and outside...awesome! Barack ROCKS!

Posted by becky | February 9, 2008 4:41 PM
71

Bellevue 48th Legislative District at Spiritwood Elementary

UNOFFICIAL delegate count:
Obama 45
Clinton 26
Undecided 0

School gym was packed. Well over 1,000. Had to move 6 large precincts to other rooms. (Republican caucus next door had about 40 people). Great participation, lots of first time voters. Lots of 17 year old voters.

What an incredible crowd to deal patiently with the (wonderful!) unanticipated turnout. Thanks to everyone for making history.

Posted by KarinM | February 9, 2008 4:50 PM
72

District 21, precinct 39
(Snohomish County, Edmonds)

4 Obama
2 Clinton
Ridiculous amount of people there. Littered with Hil signs, but most most people seemed to back Obama. They better recycle those.

Posted by Casey | February 9, 2008 4:53 PM
73

Skagit Valley (Mount Vernon) Precinct 303
7 Delegates:
5 Obama
2 Clinton

most of the other precincts that met at Mount Vernon High school were voting about 60/40 in favor of Obama...

Posted by chad | February 9, 2008 4:59 PM
74

Lewis Co - Veness Precinct:
27 votes:
19 Obama
7 Clinton
1 Undecided

4 Obama Delegates
1 Clinton Delegate

Yay!!!

Posted by Michelle | February 9, 2008 5:05 PM
75

Olympia 30 (southeast)

Obama: 5
Clinton: 2

Washington Middle School was packed and most precincts appeared to be going Obama.

Posted by lyra | February 9, 2008 5:05 PM
76

Precinct 110 in Ferndale, WA went 6-1 for Obama. Turnout enormous. Spoke to a friend in a nearby precinct, they went 8-0 Obama.

Posted by aimee day | February 9, 2008 5:09 PM
77

East Bremerton, present.

Turnout for caucasing in 2004, about 150.

Turnout today, about 450.

My precinct: 15 for Clinton, 13 for Obama. With 5 delegates in play they went 3 for Clinton and 2 for Obama.

Posted by Michael J Swassing | February 9, 2008 5:12 PM
78

Shelton (in Mason County) had a good turn out, but no snacks.

30 Obama
20 Clinton
1 Undecided

In our precinct of about 15 people, we were all Obama supporters except for one woman who quickly gave up without a fight. I think everyone was disappointed they didn't get a chance to persuade her.

Posted by katie | February 9, 2008 5:14 PM
79

47-2834
3 obama
1 Clinton

I don't know other results definiatively but there was a lot of 3-3 and 4-4's. I get the feeling that the area split 60-40 for obama, I do know that at least one precint was 5-0 for clinton, but I am pretty sure that was the rarity.

Posted by Bubbles | February 9, 2008 5:14 PM
80

Precinct # 3129 in Spokane.

Seventy-Two attended and we got 11 delegates. Eight (8) went to Obama, Three (3) for Clinton.

There were eight other precincts in our building, and they were all about 3:1 to 4:1 for Obama.

Posted by Diane | February 9, 2008 5:24 PM
81

I posted this in the North Seattle thread, but that was before I realized there was a "beyond Seattle" thread, because I have a short attention span and can't read worth a shit.:

Lopez Island on the San Juans. North precinct: 11-2 for Obama and South precinct 8-3 for Obama.

Posted by otla | February 9, 2008 5:24 PM
82

Bainbridge Island, Precinct 304 (Winslow)
Huge turnout with 195 for Obama, 56 for Hillary, 13 Undecided. One undecided changed to Obama. 14 delegates Obama (including me! :)), 4 for Hillary.

Go Obama! Woot!

Posted by RamonaMayhem | February 9, 2008 5:26 PM
83

Everett 67

27 attendees:
16 Obama
9 Clinton
2 Uncommitted

In the end, the uncommitteds split evenly, so it was 17-10 for Obama. This became:
4 Obama delegates
2 Clinton delegates

Interestingly, there didn't seem to be much of a demographic split between the two candidates. There were proportional numbers of youth, elderly, queers, etc. on both sides. Although the only black guy went for Obama.

The location was packed, standing room only. It was noisy and confusing, but people mostly seemed to be patient and good-natured about it.

Posted by Morgan | February 9, 2008 5:27 PM
84

ugh, precinct 238 (Bellingham, WWU) took 4 hours to total the vote since we left over 150 obama supporters go because no one said we had to pick a canididate at sign in. Ugh.

So
11 Obama
1 Clinton

Posted by cedricgirl | February 9, 2008 5:28 PM
85

Representin' the south end in Kent - the Kent Elementary cafeteria was packed. Our precinct luckily got moved into a classroom, so it was quiet enough to hear each other.

We had 4 delegates and ended up with:
2 Obama
2 Clinton

Our precinct was a great mix of 27 people, including our elected PCO who is an 18-year old high school senior who was very eager and well informed, and a woman who had been a US citizen for less than 4 years and completely fascinated by the whole process. Luckily there was a couple who had been to caucus many times before, so they were able to guide us, since everybody else had no clue what the heck was going on.

My mom was in a different precinct at the same location, and said the delegates were split 5 Obama and 2 Clinton.

Posted by Ingrid | February 9, 2008 5:28 PM
86

Tacoma
Legislative district 27
Precinct 313

15 Obama
5 Clinton
1 Uncommited

At least two other precincts broke 3-1 for Obama. We had 240 people show up for our precinct alone, up from 75 in 2004. With 8 precincts in one caucus location it was more than the middle school cafeteria could hold. The organizational structure completely collapsed under the numbers. If the state Dems are going to stick with the caucus system, we need to make major improvements to managing the process.

Posted by celyn | February 9, 2008 5:35 PM
87

I live in Federal Way and my caucus was at a retirement home. Yep, at age 40 I was one of the youngest people in the room. It was great to be called "young lady". I had a lot of fun. I met my retirement home neighbors for the first time and heard some great stories. One woman remembered going door to door with her mother when she was five years old to campaign for FDR.

Someone asked what the LGBT on the form meant. The chairperson didn't know so I had to step in and explain.

Not sure of the grand total but we overflowed the room and went out into the hallway. Our total Obama: 4 Clinton: 3. I don't think anyone was persuaded to change their mind, probably in part because they really couldn't hear the comments! Since I was one of the most mobile people there I volunteered to be a delegate for the next level.

I really enjoyed the caucus and I'm really glad I went.
Obama 2008!

Posted by Dana | February 9, 2008 6:02 PM
88

Graham Kapowsin High School (Pierce County, WA - District 2)
Thousands of people turned out! ABSOLUTELY PACKED with no room to walk. Could not hardly move at all. People sitting at tables moved to avoid being squished by those standing behind them! People standing everywhere! Repubs. upstairs didn't seem to suffer this problem, only about 25 people up there about 12:45 p.m.--later I don't know.

Took a while for everyone to get organized as organizers moved precinct after precinct out of main democratic room and into individual classrooms to try and make room for all the people. Huge parking lot, sideroads, etc. jam packed with cars!! Mood was energetic and fun though!

ALL Obama stickers, etc. were sold out before 12:45 p.m. I found a lady with Obama hat, sweatshirt & a laptop near front door who gave me stickers, which I handed out to people at tables for the various precincts. Judging from sticker requests at each precinct table, I would estimate conservatively about 80% Obama supporters & 20% Clinton supporters.
Interestingly enough, husbands and wives were sometimes split on which Democrat they supported. Voters' age, gender and race varied across the board for both Obama and Clinton. In our precinct, everyone was a first-time caucus attendee. There were old, young and all different races at caucus event.

District 02-052 unofficial results (We have 7 delegates):
Total of 17 people voted as follows both times:
Clinton - 9 (Received 4 delegates)
Obama - 7 (Received 3 delegates)
Uncommitted - 1 (Received 0 delegates)
ALL were very firm in choice from the start.

A friend of mine reported to me unofficial results for District 02-03 (Eatonville, WA):

Total of 49 people at caucus to vote:
37 for Obama
12 for Clinton
Didn't get delegate info. from her, but she said all in her group were very firm on position as well and most were first time caucus go-ers!

Was my 1st time at caucus and I had a great time. If Obama can inspire this many people to get out and vote and attend their local caucus just think what he can do when he is elected as our next President!!

GO OBAMA!!!

Posted by Cheri | February 9, 2008 6:03 PM
89

I went at the Everett caucus and ended up being a delegate for Obama. My precinct (only 26 of us) was split equally between Clinton and Obama--3 delegates each.

Posted by Robin | February 9, 2008 6:11 PM
90

@87 - Nobody under 30 at my table knew what LGBT stood for, either.

33-2820 (Des Moines) went 14 votes Clinton, 8 Obama, 1 undecided. Which was counted as 2 delegates for Clinton, 1 for Obama, and 1 undecided, due to how the votes were split.

The 33rd caucusing place was filled, but not overwhelmingly so, maybe 300 people. My precinct must have been an outlier, since the WA Dems web page shows my district going heavily toward Obama.

Most of the Clinton votes were older women (mostly white, one black woman), and most of the Obama votes were younger folks.

Posted by tim | February 9, 2008 6:12 PM
91

IF you caucused in Shoreline, please post your thoughts here: http://ronaldbog.blogspot.com/

Posted by BAO | February 9, 2008 6:20 PM
92

Speaking of the LGBT box, I didn't really know what to do, either. I get nervous when I'm handed a standardized form, since the tests I took in school might disqualify you if you fucked up. So I put: "X" [crossed out] G (?)

Posted by Spokane Brad | February 9, 2008 6:25 PM
93

I live in Spokane, WA - Precinct 3128, which is in the 3rd Legislative district, 5th congressional. We're fairly liberal here. Anyway, the vote in my precinct went:

19 Obama
9 Clinton

Delgates Obama 5
Clinton 2

Posted by Aubra | February 9, 2008 6:26 PM
94

At Wenatchee High school, the parking lot was full and we had to use an overflow room. Obama volunteers were there in force, but no Hillary stickers or posters to be found. There was an air of excitement in the room. I heard one precinct captain say there had been only 5 people there in 2004! There were 32 people in my precinct, a mostly rural, orchard-filled area. We had a 20-year-old guy, all the way up to people in their 70's. We also had a Latino family, and at least one gay person. The final tally was Obama 21, Clinton 11. It was running about 2-to-1 or 3-to-1 for Obama in every precinct.

See photo here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cherylg/2253276885/

Posted by Cheryl | February 9, 2008 6:34 PM
95

From Highland Middle School in Bellevue -

There was a huge turnout at Highland, typified by my own precinct that in 2004 had 12 people show and this year, 37. People were jammed in the middle school cafeteria, trying to find their first what their precinct was and then trying to find their tables. Several groups ended up meeting outside, as it was so hot and noisy in the building.

Our precinct broke about 75% Obama, 25% Clinton, which was typical of the room as a whole and probably will be true for the state.

A quote from one Bellevue caucuser and now delegate:

"I never thought I'd get into politics as much as this. Never thought I'd give money and attend a rally and go to a caucus ... and agree to go to the next level. Barack Obama has inspired me to get involved in ways I
never thought I would."

Posted by Claire | February 9, 2008 7:30 PM
96

Some upset folks in the Battle Ground area. I was one as I didn't even know about the caucus until two days before when I got an e-mail from the Obama site. The local news just printed it today. We can vote in the Primary but it doesn't count ! Go figure !!! Anyway Precinct 583 Legislative District 18 voted 10 for Obama and 3 for Clinton.

Posted by Judy | February 9, 2008 7:52 PM
97

Battle Ground again ! I meant the vote gave obama 10 Delegates and Clinton 3 Delegates

Posted by Judy | February 9, 2008 7:55 PM
98

Battle Ground again ! I meant the vote gave Obama 10 Delegates and Clinton 3 Delegates

Posted by Judy | February 9, 2008 7:56 PM
99

Precinct 10 in Port Angeles went 13 votes for Obama, 9 for Clinton and 8 uncommitted. But I wouldn't call Port Townsend (45 mi east of P.A.) a typical Washington (or anywhere else) precinct.

L S Jardine

Posted by Lisbeth Jardine | February 9, 2008 8:25 PM
100

48-2925 (Kirkland), 3 for Obama and 1 for Clinton.

My first ever caucus and it was amazing! The auditorium at Rose Hill elementary was packed and it was so inspiring for me to see that there are so many non-Republicans in my little patch of suburbia!

Posted by cescaw | February 9, 2008 8:25 PM
101

Great Issaquah story:

When the area coordinator was giving his intro speech, he said "Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transsexuals." Two high school girls across from me said "transgenders! Duh!"

So there, big city people!

Posted by Big Sven | February 9, 2008 8:59 PM
102

South of Spokane, Freeman High School, mostly rural farm country and conservative. Dem turnout was at least 4X '04. At least half was first ever caucus. Many families brought kids along. Precinct 9015 voted 13 Obama, 8 Hillary. Delegates 4 (O), 2 (H). I never knew I had so many progressive neighbors. This is our year.

Posted by Paul | February 9, 2008 9:09 PM
103

Edmonds 21.

Kamiak High School in Mukilteo was PACKED. They obviously didn't expect such a large turnout because everybody stayed in the gym rather than spreading out into the classrooms (of which there would have been plenty - that high school is beyond large). So each precinct tried to caucus inside of the gym and the noise made everything ten times harder. Not only were we speaking over other groups but the man on the microphone droning on about the process. My precinct went 4-2 for Obama, with most of the elderly landing on Obama's side, which was extremely disorienting at times. Overall, it was a great experience. I met a lot of people I've never met before and I finally feel... democratic (with a small d).

Oh, and the governor was there. I'm not sure why she came and gave a speech for us specifically but it was a great surprise.

Posted by obamatron | February 9, 2008 10:21 PM
104

Amazing day - for the volunteer coordinators it started early.

I was one of them. I noticed a number of people discussed lack of coordination and confusion, and a fear that this might be what the Democratic Party manages to do in the runup to the election.

A quick reminder: Almost all of the people running these events were either unpaid volunteers, or congressional staffers working on their own time.

The 43rd District spent almost all their budget for the year to rent venues to make sure they weren't too crowded.

Donations were minimal. If you're concerned about the Dem's in this state then please volunteer or donate.

We need a viable grassroots progressive party not just candidates with huge warchests if we're going to organize this incredible energy.

Finally getting to bed, a dog-tired Precinct Committee Chair.

Posted by D Pecan | February 10, 2008 12:12 AM
105

Kenmore 32-0501.

Showed up with the roommate both of us wearing shirts with Obama and Hillary on them with the slogan "bros before hos".

That didn't go over that well.

We broke 4-1 for Obama, 41 Obama, 9 Clinton, 1 Undecided, 3 undecideds and 1 Clinton supporter went to Obama during the discussion part where people were supposed to speak out.

Huge turnout, couldn't sit anywhere. Despite a lot of Hillary posters, Obama was absolutely dominating every other precinct from the people I talked to.

Posted by Jesse | February 10, 2008 1:55 AM

Comments Closed

In order to combat spam, we are no longer accepting comments on this post (or any post more than 14 days old).