Skip to main content

Crowding schools and firehouses, Iowans turn out in record numbers

  • Story Highlights
  • Voters describe crowded caucusing sites, waiting in long lines
  • Democratic and Republican parties say Iowans turn out in record numbers
  • Iowa GOP projects 120,000 people participated
  • Democratic Party says at least 227,000 people took part
  • Next Article in Politics »
Decrease font Decrease font
Enlarge font Enlarge font

(CNN) -- A record number of Republican and Democratic voters turned out to caucus in Iowa Thursday, as stories poured into CNN about crowded homes, firehouses and schools.

art.caucus.cnn.jpg

Iowa residents register for the caucus at Merrill Middle School in Des Moines.

Calling CNN from Walnut, a town of about 800, Kathy Barger said she was shocked at how many people were packed in the tiny building where she usually caucuses.

"There's a line all the way out the door onto the road," she said, adding that her son is a precinct captain for Democratic winner Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois. Video Watch Barger talk about her caucus experience »

Iowans are used to battling frigid temperatures and snow to vote in the caucuses. Relatively mild temperatures might have made it easier for residents to get out and say who they would like to be the nation's next president.

Iowans also clearly wanted to make a statement, as the once-predicted Democratic winner Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York finished third, and underdog Republican former Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas won the GOP caucus.

About 239,000 Democrats caucused Thursday, the Iowa Democratic Party reported, nearly twice as many as the 125,000 who cast their votes four years ago.

The Iowa GOP projected 120,000 people took part in the Republican caucuses, compared with 87,000 people who participated in 2000. Party officials said Friday that all precincts had not yet reported their turnout.

"More than ever, Iowans took seriously their role at the first-in-the-nation presidential test and attended their caucus to vote for the candidate of their choice," Chuck Laudner, executive director of the Republican Party of Iowa, said in a statement.

The Iowa Democratic Party says at least 227,000 people took part in their caucuses, a much higher turnout than the 125,000 who cast their votes four years ago.

David Axelrod, a senior adviser to the Obama campaign, said he believes his team drew "a great deal of young people."

"Last time, one in eight caucus-goers was under 45 years old," he said. "I think this time about 40 percent were under 45."

Brooke Klotz, 27, had her first caucus experience. "I really had no idea what to expect," she said. "It was a great experience with lots of debating. Obama won our precinct, which I was happy about because he is who I was supporting."

In Altoona, Lori Slings said it was the largest turnout she had seen at a caucus. "This is a huge turnout," she said. "People are ready for a change."

advertisement

Stephanie School, a Clinton delegate, was caucusing in Mason City at Roosevelt Middle School.

"Before getting into the room, we had to wait in the hallway about 15 minutes, as many Republicans were switching parties inside," she said. "I was surprised to come home and see on the news that Obama has won." E-mail to a friend E-mail to a friend

All About Barack ObamaMike HuckabeeIowa

  • E-mail
  • Save
  • Print