I am reporting from the 3rd precinct in Johnston at the West Lake Elementary School. This is a crazy event - surprisingly similar to how it is described in the textbooks. It is a bit like town meeting in its participatory feel and school gymnasium atmosphere. There 795 voters here tonight (there were 90 four years ago, but I think there is a new subdivision in the precinct), and this places viability at 119 (15%). Supporters of candidates that don't meet viability have to redistribute themselves or go undecided. The voting is interesting - they have to collect blue tickets - each precinct captain brings them up in a box. The first round #'s:
Dodd 0
Biden 50
Clinton 181
Edwards 148
Gravel 0
Kucinich 0
Obama 318
Richardson 73
So they now give the Obama, Edwards and Clinton supporters 30 minutes to woo the Biden and Richardson folks, then they will take a final count. We are seeing early state numbers on the internet giving Edwards 33, Obama 32, Clinton 30, but these are very preliminary. This is nuts!
Incidentally, Secretary Albright is here as an observer for Clinton - I got a picture with her! This after having a pre-caucus dinner with Rep. Udall of New Mexico - running for the Senate this year - and the Campaign Manager and two deputies from the Richardson campaign.
Johnston Caucus 1:
Johnston Caucus 2:
Johnston Caucus 3:
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