I just got back from chairing my precinct caucus in NE Seattle. I had worries about how well my entirely white, predominantly upper-middle-class neighbors would turn out, and who they would be supporting.
The specifics on my precinct: Around 800 registered voters, half single-family houses, half townhomes & condos. In 2004, we had a record turnout of 37 people, who were half for Kerry and half for Dean.
And today? Look below the fold. . .
Today, I welcomed 89 of my neighbors!
We sent on a "sense of the caucus" resolution, promoting the abolition of the caucus system in favor of a primary (despite the fact that most people enjoyed the meeting, and found it a good use of their time. . . oh well, you can't satisfy everyone!)
We set the tally committee to working up the preliminary numbers, and I spent quite a while trying to find a Clinton supporter who was willing to speak, since I didn't want to abuse my position by launching into an Obama speech without someone else lined up to participate, too. In the end, we got a good discussion going, and had multiple speakers for Obama, Clinton and undecided. The discussion was friendly and respectful. I have very good neighbors!
When the intial tally came in, we allocated 4 Obama delegates to only 1 Clinton delegate. We gave people time to change their preference, but the allocation held up, even with a few people coming in from undecided. I checked in with a few other PCOs who were meeting in the same building, and they all had at least 3 to 1 Obama supporters!
I can't say how the rest of the state will go, but my little corner? Fired Up! Ready to Go!