From the Portland Press Herald:
Sen. Barack Obama won Maine's Democratic caucuses Sunday as massive numbers of voters braved inclement weather.
The Illinois Democrat beat Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., by a margin of 59 percent to 40 percent with 95 percent of precincts reporting, giving Obama 15 of Maine's 24 pledged delegates who will be bound to vote for him at the party's national convention.
More than 46,000 voters, including 4,000 who cast absentee ballots, participated in the caucuses, easily breaking the record of 17,000 from 2004.
Let's think about that...
In 2004 17,000 Maine Democrats (myself included) caucused for their choice for the nomination. In 2008 46,000 Maine Democrats took part in the political process and made their voice heard! And not only took part, but stood out in the falling snow and freezing cold! Now THAT is dedication to democracy!
My hope is these same great people will continue to take part in the process and now we have to build on the successes. But for now, congrats to the Maine Democratic Party, to all the Maine Dems who came out, the good folks over at Turn Maine Blue for the results, and Me for creating a good time had by all (and yes I am tooting my own horn. Hey, my diary my rules. :) Look, you've made me use an emoticon!) And of course to Senator Obama on a victory many didn't think he was going to pull off.
Also, since I've got a laundry list going here, you will note above that 4,000 Mainers caucused via absentee ballot. That being said, a quick word of advice to all Democratic State Party chairs across America: ABSENTEE BALLOTS SHOULD BE MANDATORY FOR CAUCUSES! It also puts Hillary Clinton's belief that people can't caucus because they are working. All Maine voices were heard loud and clear! And check out this little nugget from Craig over at Turn Maine Blue:
Four years ago when John Kerry won the caucuses here in Maine, only about 2,000 absentee ballots were recieved by the Maine DNC. This year already they've processed over 4,000...Put it this way, the Republicans caucused for 3 days from February 1st through the 3rd and total ballots counted were 4,546. Who's more excited this year? It's definately not the Republicans.
Ayuh, we're WICKED fired up!