Crossposted at Turn Maine Blue
Turnout is the key to winning elections. We know that. We've all heard that Dems are turning out more than Repubs in all these states but when you're on the ground and seeing it happen, it's amazing, simply amazing. If you've never been at a state party HQ receiving the numbers as they come in, it's like nothing else. Come along and I'll give you a few samples.
Maine is a caucus state. Republicans caucused a little over 5,000 voters a week ago. We've only reported about a third of the caucuses so far and we've already passed that number. Did I mention it's snowing, freezing rain and sleeting out there? Not a blizzard but crappy weather indeed.
In the scheme of things Clinton should be strong here. They put effort into Maine and most pundits and bloggers (including Markos) thought Clinton would squeak it out. We elect delegates to the state convention and so far Obama is holding an edge.
The phones ring and small towns are reporting 20 people attending. When there's only 60 voters in town, that's big news. One of the counties I work with is rural, remote and challenging has already turned out 374 Democrats. That's with half our caucuses done. To compare, The Repubs caucused 113 Total for the county.
We count the total attendance and delegates to the state convention. There are 16 phones (1 for each county) and every conversation is about how high the turnout is. If Obama carries Maine it builds on the momentum from the last 3 states (NE, WA, LA) and keeps it going into the next three (MD, VA, DC).
For me, having people turn out in record numbers is terrific. We will call every attendee back and thank them for coming to the caucus and ask for their help between now and the election.
Whew, another hour flies by. Remember the Republican total for Washington Cty? 113 total?...Dems have caucused 650 and I still have 4 towns to go. Statewide, with 45% of the towns in we've caucused over 17,500, the former 2004 record. Obama still leads and probably can't be caught but of course I can't post this until it's out. What I can say is every conveener calling in is excitited by the turnout, people who said 'I used to drag 2-3 people off the street' are having 11 show up. Those who called local Dems are getting 3 and 4 times former turnout.
You can get up to date numbers somewhere else but what I can say is it is simply a great day for democracy with amazing turnout and momentum building. If you want to help us in Maine, help us take back the Senate We really appreciate the support and it will build the best campaign ever. We're a small state and a donation goes a long way. What an amazing day! If we work hard for eight months we can make change happen. UPDATE: Want to see the current totals? Right here baby.