Obama supporters cheer for him at Super Tuesday celebration in Salt Lake
As the Obama party gathered steam and more backers arrived in front of the three vast TV screens, the whooping was even louder when the network called Kansas for their candidate, by a wide margin.
By 9:30 p.m., more than 100 were there, filling tables and peering at three enormous TV screens, usually reserved for sports spectaculars. On Tuesday night, however, they showed broadcasts from CNBC, CNN and FOX networks.
Megan Riffe, Salt Lake City, shouted, "Go, Obama!"
Riffe indicated she's delighted by the number of the Democratic turnout.
"We're just really excited about how many people turned out to vote for Hillary and Obama," she said.
A few supporters gathered for Sen. Hillary Clinton's Super Tuesday party at Port O' Call in Salt Lake. News that Obama had taken the majority of Democratic votes in Utah was countered by word that Clinton took Massachusetts, despite Obama endorsements from Sen. Edward Kennedy and other members of the Kennedy clan.
At the event at the club, Salt Lake County Councilwoman Jenny Wilson described herself as an enthusiastic Clinton supporter.
Wilson added that regardless of who wins the Democratic nomination, she felt that both Obama and Clinton — and what they stand for— represent a change to "where we need to be, politically, at this time."
By the end of the night it's possible Clinton will take more delegates, said Obama supporter Sean Sasso.
"But I think it's going to be close" nationally. But he was certain of Obama's win in Utah because of reaction he's heard "with the phone calls I've made today."
Jeremiah Roth, a 31-year-old Salt Lake City man, said he supports Obama because he's an exciting candidate. Clinton, he said, "would be more of the same."
The election is important, said Heather Culligan, Salt Lake City, "because our country's in a very difficult spot, and the direction we go from here is pretty critical. We're in one war, ready to begin at least one."
America is in an important turning point, she said. "We need somebody who can take us in a new direction."
The excitement level bounced higher as the minutes counted down toward the close of the California polls.
"It's a very good night," said Misty Fowler, Salt Lake City. "We have been at this for a year." The Utah Obama effort started with 40 people meeting at the Gallivan Center, she said.
That was six days after Obama announced he was running for president.
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So, Utah's leading democrats are happy with voter turnout yesterday...
Raise Your Sights | Feb. 6, 2008 at 1:39 a.m.
