Democrats make their choice

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By Mollee Francisco

For Anne Fleming, of Chaska, Tuesday night’s caucuses were her opportunity to put a good word in for presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton.

“This is my way of getting her on the ballot,” said the first-time caucus-goer.

Fleming was one of hundreds that descended upon Chaska Middle School West Tuesday night, where cars waited for parking spots to become available and the lines stretched out the doors and down the sidewalk, with people anxious to register and cast their vote.

Volunteer John Varone was frantic as he worked to point people in the right direction for their respective precincts.

“This darn democracy sure slows things down,” commented Carver County Commissioner Randy Maluchnik. “Maybe a couple of Democrats will get elected this year.”

It was clear that no one was exactly prepared for this kind of turnout in Chaska. The snacks held up, but space and resolution forms were another story. Patience became an extreme virtue as some waited until nearly 8 p.m. to register and vote.

“This is amazing,” commented volunteer Bob Moeller.

“I used to think the definition of courage was being a Democrat in Carver County,” said U.S. Congressional candidate Steve Sarvi, who stopped in to greet voters and plug his campaign against incumbent John Kline.

Sentiment was high as voters cast their presidential preference ballots and proposed various resolutions for consideration in the Democratic platform.

Scott Adams proposed that light rail transit be extended out to the area. Bob Perschmann wanted to see hearings conducted for the “crimes of the Bush administration.” Steve Smith hoped to see coal plants reduce their emissions. Others advocated for affordable college tuition, the end of poverty, same-sex marriage, retirement security for educators and access to affordable health care.

While Congressional and Senate candidates enjoyed a brief stint in the limelight, most caucus-goers were sticking around for the results of the presidential preference ballot.

Dick Tirk decided on whom he would cast his vote for just two days ago, ultimately choosing to support Barack Obama over concerns that the anti-Hillary sentiment was too strong for a nomination. Tirk was pleasantly surprised when his precinct voted more than 2-1 in favor of Obama. “That’s a pretty big margin for my guy,” he said.

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According to DFL volunteer John Varone, over 2,200 people showed up for Senate District 34 caucuses, and 527 delegates were chosen for the district convention. However, as of press time Wednesday morning, results of the local presidential preference ballot were unavailable.

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