Cap Times election blog: Obama wins Dane County 2-1

The Capital Times  —  2/19/2008 11:54 pm

Look here for the latest on what's happening at and near the Madison-area polls in the much-anticipated primary election. The Democratic presidential race between Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama is the primary draw in Madison, but Republicans have a choice between Sen. John McCain and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.

Obama wins Dane County 2-1

Obama won every single ward reporting in Dane County, according to the county clerk's website, for an overall total of 94,385 compared to 43,783 for Clinton, or 67 percent to 31 percent. Statewide, Obama leads Clinton by more than 180,000 votes with 95 percent of wards reporting.

Madison turnout was heavy for a primary, with vote totals in many wards rivaling the numbers from the general election in 2006.

Not surprisingly, interest in the Democratic primary was far greater in Dane County than the Republican, but the margin was staggering in some places. In Ward 34 based at east side O'Keeffe Middle School, almost 2,000 people voted in the Democratic contest compared to just 53 in the Republican.

Obama won that ward for the Democrats, 1,486 to 444 for Clinton. Among Republicans, McCain got 29 votes while Huckabee and Ron Paul each got 12 votes.

Doyle hails Obama victory

A jubilant Gov. Jim Doyle told a throng of Obama supporters at the Great Dane that Wisconsin has "changed the face of American history" by choosing Obama.

"We are the state, it will be written, who decided who the next Democratic nominee will be and whol the next president of the United States will be," he said.

Doyle took a political gamble by backing Obama last month, while he was still trailing Clinton in nationwide polls, and was clearly enjoying tonight's success.

The governor traveled around the state supporting Obama's candidacy and told the crowd tonight that the Illinois senator "is the whole package -- someone who can inspire but who is also capable of governing."

Clinton supporters not ready to give up

Over at the Stadium Bar on Monroe Street, Clinton supporters were not quite ready to concede defeat to Obama.

Undeterred by projections showing Obama would win, a group of young Clinton supporters gave a spirited chant for the television cameras.

Another supporter, watching on television as Obama told an enthusiastic crowd in Houston at about 8:45 that he had won Wisconsin, said "I'm not too sure."

Returns for Madison wards have oly begun to trickle in, but Obama has an overwhelming lead so far -- 64 percent to 35 percent -- in Dane County communities outside Madison.

Obama supporters cheer projected victory

Another cheer went up at the Great Dane as MSNBC projected an Obama victory.

Among those in crowd was Erik Opsal, a spokesman for the UW-Madison chapter of Students for Obama. chapter, who says he's working only 2 hours of sleep

"I can't even think right now," said Opsal, who added that he has already missed one mid-term exam in his efforts to secure an Obama victory.

The Illinois senator has done disproportionately well among young voters, and he focused significant energy on the UW campus, including an appearance at the Kohl Center last week that drew more than 17,000 people.

Opsal said turnout was heavy at UW dorms and the only sign they saw of Clinton supporters was "some 40-year-old woman on Dayton Street."

Also at the Great Dane tonight is Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, who endorsed Obama last week. The mayor's spokesman, George Twigg, worked for Democratic candidate John Kerry in Wisconsin four years ago and said working on a presidential campaign "is an experience I would never want to give up, but never repeat."

CNN projects Obama victory

Only 1 percent of precincts statewide are reporting, but CNN has projected that Obama will win the Wisconsin primary.

Obama is leading so far in Dane County according to early returns from the County Clerk's office, winning all the communities that have reported so far. None of them are city of Madison wards.

CNN projects McCain wins, Obama ahead

A cheer went up at the Great Dane when CNN reported that exit polls showed Sen. Barack Obama leading in the Democratic presidential primary against Sen. Hillary Clinton. The network also projected that Sen. John McCain would beat Mike Huckabee in the Republican primary.

"I'm not the youngest candidate, but I am the most experienced," McCain, 71, said to great applause from supporters at his victory speech.

In Madison, supporters of Obama are gathering at the Great Dane tonight. About 500 are on hand, including state Sen. Bob Jauch and Ald. Zach Brandon. The feeling there is that Obama will win, the question is the margin.

Too early to predict turnout

Dane County Clerk Bob Ohlsen said just after the polls closed at 8 p.m. that it's too early to say what the total turnout would be. Early predictions called for a record or near-record turnout because of the high interest in the Clinton-Obama race, but Ohlsen said turnout was slow this morning because of the ice and single-digit temperatures.

Turnout picked as the day went on, however, and reached about 25 percent by 4 p.m.

Initial predictions called for a statewide turnout of 35 percent, which would be one of the highest primary turnouts in Wisconsin history.

Middleton reporting (4:34 p.m.)

The city of Middleton has two polling places, with roughly an equal number of residents eligible to vote in each: St. Bernard's Parish Center and the high school.

When I voted at 3 p.m. at the school, I was No. 1,759. The polling place was not all that busy, but a poll worker said it had been fairly steady.

Patricia Amble, city clerk-treasurer, said at 3:45 that she thought the turnout so far was "less than expected." Basing her estimate partially on the number of voters by 3 p.m. at the high school, she said she expected a total of around 5,000 votes. With about 13,000 voters registered in Middleton, that turnout would be 38 percent.

Amble said that percentage was somewhat lower than the 2004 presidential primary, but she didn't have the exact figures at hand.

There were 480 people who voted absentee in the city. My daughter and her friend voted at the school about 4 o'clock and said they were Nos. 1,927 and 1,928.

--Bill Dunn

Southwest side voters like Obama

One of the heaviest polling places for voter turnout this afternoon was the Heritage Congregational Church on Madison's southwest side, where election officials estimated more than 800 ballots had been cast by 2:30 p.m.

A steady stream of new voters filled out registration forms as already registered voters waited for ballots.

An informal survey of voters leaving the polling place showed overwhelming support for Barack Obama.

Joy Simmons, 39, personal care worker, said she voted for Obama because of his "message of change." She added "I looked at the issues and she (Sen. Hillary Clinton) has been kind of shady this whole election."

Davids Watkins, a self-employed photographer, said that he voted for Obama "because I'm not a big fan of the Clintons," adding that his vote was more a vote against Clinton than for Obama.

"Usually I'm a Republican but things are a little strange this year," he said. "All of the Republicans I really like have dropped out."

--David Callender

Bauman backs Obama

Former Madison Mayor Sue Bauman was among those who cast a ballot at the Madison Public Library Tuesday morning. Her choice? Obama.

"I am looking to go forward, not backward," Bauman said. She said "His youth, enthusiasm, and his ability to draw out people who have been disenfranchised and disenchanted" were among her reasons for voting for him.

"I honestly think that black men in this country need a positive role model more than women do but that was not the deciding issue," Bauman said.

Marion Hill, chief inspector at the library polling station said the place had been bustling all morning. A handful of people waited outside to vote before the doors opened at 7 a.m.

"We had a break of maybe two minutes, otherwise, it's been busy," she said at about 11 a.m.

Alice Birnhak, 85, said "I am for solutions — for Hillary." Since Obama is younger, he still has a chance to run again, she said.

"It's her last chance to become president," Birnhak said.

Roy Cadwell, in his late 60s, said his "views don't always fit with downtown Madison. I was associated with the university for a time but I'm certainly not a liberal."

He voted for McCain because he doesn't think the U.S. should get out of Iraq "willy nilly."

But there are issues with McCain that he disagrees with, too. Cadwell is pro-choice, for one.

"I have two daughters and two granddaughters. They should be making those decisions, not the government," he said.

Dorothy Slivicki, 79, said she talks politics with her grandson, who is 60 years younger than her, and they agree on a lot of the same ideas. She voted for Obama.

"I know that he's not been very specific but he has inspired our young people in a way that I haven't seen since Kennedy," Slivicki said. "And I saw Kennedy."

"I voted with great struggle. I made up my mind: Obama," said Tillie Ripley, 87, who lives at the Meriter Retirement Commmunity, which sent a bus full of residents to vote. "I think (Clinton) deserves a lot. She's bright."

"It's a terrific problem to decide," Ripley said.

— Katie Dean

Pumpkin oatmeal cookies at Olbrich

The pumpkin Michael Quieto wintered over from one of the last Farmers' Markets this fall made it into the pumpkin oatmeal cookies the lead poll worker served to voters waiting in line this morning at the Olbrich Gardens polling station on Madison's east side.

"I made five dozen," said Quieto, explaining how he managed to feed voters and poll workers alike.

People had about a 20-minute wait to vote if they were at Olbrich between 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., Quieto said. Other than serving cookies, Quieto also helped register people in line during this time to keep the line moving. By 11 a.m., the waiting time was down to 10 minutes.

Even before the polls opened at 7 a.m., 20 people were waiting in line outside Olbrich, Quieto said. The first woman in line was there because she, well, wanted to be the first person to vote, Quieto said.

By 11 a.m. 450 people had cast their votes, a pretty good turnout in Quieto's estimation.

For last spring's elections, which included the race for Wisconsin Supreme Court and Madison mayor, Quieto, who is a city worker, did troubleshooting for the City Clerk's Office. That meant, among other things, carting ballots from the clerk's office downtown to polling stations that were running low on supplies.

"I put 105 miles on a city car without leaving the city," he said.

— Judith Davidoff

Lots of new voters downtown

By 10 a.m. at the Doyle Administration Building on 545 W. Dayton St (Ward 44), 312 people had voted. Carol Weidel, chief inspector at the site, said it serves two big populations: downtown condo dwellers and students who live in Ogg and Smith Halls. More new voters and those with a change of address were showing up than previously registered voters, Weidel said. "It's been very busy right from the beginning."

UW student Kelsey Morin, 21, of Milwaukee was working as a poll watcher at the site and is a house fellow in Ogg. She said there was a little confusion for some students about where to vote because Ogg Hall moved to a different location.

"They all went to Gordon Commons this morning but they have to come here," she said. "People just assumed they could vote in the same place."

Gordon Commons on West Johnson Street is the polling location for Sellery and Witte Halls on campus.

Morin said she's supporting Obama because "I think he can win the general election. I think he's the best candidate for the country right now."

"I think we've learned in the last eight years that experience doesn't get you a great presidency," she said.

Tom Wallach, 23, said he was a "fervent" Obama supporter, in part because "he was one of the few politicians to stand against the war."

"I think he's a less divisive figure than Hillary Clinton," he said, but added he would be happy to vote for Clinton in the general election if she wins.

Jeremy Remme, 23, said he voted for Obama because "I did not want to see Hillary Clinton win."

"I believe we need inexperience because career politicians are destroying the system," he said.

He's a regular voter, adding that U.S. citizens have a responsibility to vote, not just for this country, but for the rest of the world, because the U.S. exerts so much influence over the rest of the world.

"Look at what happened with the Kyoto Protocol," he said of the international agreement to reduce greenhouse gases that the U.S. has not joined. "I'm very excited to see George Bush gone."

Also hanging out at Ward 44, Ali Syre, 21, a volunteer for Fair Wisconsin, was handing out applications to vote absentee in the general election in April. She's voting for Obama.

Syre said she also thought about which of her parents would be angrier when she casts her ballot; dad supports Obama and mom is for Clinton.

"I decided my Mom is more forgiving," Syre said. But she added: "I like both candidates. I'd be happy if either got the nomination."

— Katie Dean

Students lean toward Obama

"Hope Won't Pay My Student Loans" read a homemade sign on the pedestrian bridge over North Park Street — a telling sign of one of the issues that college students are thinking about as they choose a candidate in today's presidential primary.

The nearby polling place at the Memorial Union wasn't exactly hopping at 8:30 a.m. (this polling station serves many of the UW student dorms) but there was a steady stream of voters — many first timers — who stopped in to cast their ballots.

"We usually get people coming in between classes," said Roberta Beal, who was working the table.

Ryan Linzmeyer, 20, a student from Grafton, said he voted for Barack Obama, though he considers himself a Republican (now, an "Obamacan," he said).

"He's the one person who could unite the country and bring Washington back together and get stuff done," Linzmeyer said.

He was leaning toward Obama over McCain (60/40) but seeing Obama's speech at the Kohl Center solidified his choice.

Another eager Obama supporter was Erika Lund, 19, of Waunakee, a first-time voter.

"He's really young and seems like he has a lot of energy," Lund said. "He seems like he has a lot of different ideas than what has previously been done."

She said some of her friends are interested in the election but a number are not voting because "it's just the primary."

Jessica DeValk, 19, of Green Bay, was a first time voter and said her parents have always emphasized the importance of voting. She felt good casting her ballot (but declined to reveal her choice).

"It was easy," she said of voting. "It felt good."

Josh Fangman, 20, of Ashland, also kept his vote private but said the issues most important to him are the war, health care and the economy. He's also in favor of tax cuts.

An election observer from the College Democrats who did not want to be named was keeping an eye on the proceedings, quickly covering up a political button on one voter who had come to cast a ballot.

He said his group does not officially endorse any candidate but added "I'm a student. You can figure it out."

— Katie Dean

Heavy turnout at Hawthorne

At the Hawthorne Branch Public Library, as many voters as sometimes come out for an aldermanic election already had voted by mid-morning, said chief inspector Edwin Gilbert. About one-fifth registered at the polling place this morning.

"I'm proud to say I voted for Hillary," said Andrew Harrolle-Lopota. "She has the most experience. He has great rhetoric, but it seems to be all it is."

"I was undecided until the very last minute," said his wife, Wendy Harrolle-Lopota. It was Clinton's plans to put people back to work, develop energy resources and rebuild the nation's infrastructure that pushed her into Clinton's camp, she said.

"I like Barack. He's phenomenal at getting people motivated, but I don't see the solutions," she said.

— Pat Schneider

Lots of Clinton supporters at Whitehorse

Foot traffic was brisk at the polling place in the library at Whitehorse Middle School on the city's east side.

John Gee said he cast his vote for Obama, the only choice for him. "We need a younger person to take the country in a totally different direction," Gee said. "It's been a disaster the last eight years."

Debbie Brennum, clad in a Madison Metro uniform, said she voted for Clinton. "I'd like to see a woman in there," she said. Brennum also pointed to Clinton's experience as the First Lady as preparing her to be president. "She was one of the most active wives," she said.

Senior citizens Pauline and Jerry Feisst said they cast their votes for Clinton. "Hillary all the way,' said Pauline Feisst. "We need a woman."

"She's got better issues," said Jerry Feisst.

— Pat Schneider

Clinton wowed an Obama supporter

At Monona Community Center, where poll workers reported a heavier-than-usual turnout, Jill Anthony was an enthusiastic supporter of Clinton, still beaming from the experience of hearing the candidate speak Monday night.

"She was wonderful," Anthony said, adding that hearing Clinton's speech left a friend who previously supported Obama in a quandary.

Clinton seemed to have a clear idea of the direction she wanted to take the country, Anthony said, developed in part when she was First Lady during husband Bill Clinton's administration. "Most candidates know what problems they want to solve, but have no idea how." Anthony called for a Clinton-Obama ticket for the November election. She could see eight years of Clinton as president followed by eight years of Obama, she said.

Anthony's partner, Larry Tondreault, also voted for Clinton. "I liked Bill," he said. "The economy was good, we were not at war. Look at where we are now."

Another man, who would not give his name, said he voted for Obama. "The country is in a decline," he said. "He may be our last chance."

— Pat Schneider

Political parties tonight

Hillary Clinton supporters plan to gather after the polls close at the Stadium Bar, 1419 Monroe St. Barack Obama supporters will be at the downtown Great Dane, 123 E. Doty St., and Republicans will watch returns tonight at the Nitty Gritty, 233 N. Frances St.

Turnout low so far

Frigid temperatures and slick roads are keeping voters at home so far this primary election day.

Just before noon, Early reports from polling places across Dane County show only about a 10 percent turnout, according to the county clerk's office.

Up to 35 percent of the state's eligible voters had been predicted to turn out statewide, mainly because of the close Democratic primary race between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

That would be the highest presidential primary turnout in 20 years.

Polls across Wisconsin are open until 8 p.m. tonight.

— Bill Novak

Chelsea dodges the media

I'm not sure what the Hillary Clinton camp was thinking when it decided to publicize an appearance by Chelsea Clinton this morning at the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center polling station this morning.

Her appearance consisted of standing for a few minutes in the parking lot across the street from the Center while Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and her husband, former state Rep. Peter Bock, voted, and then scampering with her entourage into a waiting van to avoid questions from reporters (there was only one other member of the media there). It took me a few seconds to remember that, oh yeah, Chelsea doesn't talk to the media. Why the restriction -- initiated in the days of Bill Clinton's presidency when Chelsea was a teenager-- remains at this point a bit of a mystery. Chelsea's in her late twenties, lives independently and is traveling across the country stumping for her mother. And, if her appearance at the UW Memorial Union last week is any indication, she's smart enough to field questions without getting into trouble.

Business otherwise at Wil-Mar was hopping. At 8:30 in the morning, a volunteer was unloading bread for the Center's food pantry, a voter in a mini-van was trying to park on Jenifer Street without getting stuck in a rut and, according to poll workers, 170 people had already voted.

-- Judith Davidoff

The Capital Times  —  2/19/2008 11:54 pm