Dems celebrate Obama win

Charlotte Duren sent in these short interviews from Democrats who watched the presidential race.

Kathleen Heritage, Rogue River: Thinks that this election is very important on the outcomes. If McCain wins, she would be very disappointed in the electorate. She is enthused and independent to work for Obama. She thinks he would bring intelligence back. “I’m surprised how many youths have been getting involved.”

Jackie Milikien, Ashland: “McCain…The WORST.” This is one of the most important elections. The youth vote made a real difference. Our elections are way too long and drawn out, from primary to main is too exausting. If McCain wins, it could be one of the worst things to happen to this country.

David and Connie Wilkerson, Ashland: David says this process has been very energizing and that he is looking forward to important change in the economy. This election is just as important as the election of 1992. Connie adds that the youth vote is extremely important.

Marc Ratner, Ashland: This election is absolutely important. He says he has been waiting 82 years for this to happen. Obama is an unusually  talented  and effective candidate and has awakened the youth to the possibilities of change. With Kerry, the youth weren’t very excited. This time their vote will really matter.

Marjorie Ratner, Ashland: The youth vote is wonderful. The internet has bridged the generation gap. We can’t afford war. The youth vote is coming in and Obama bridges the gaps. We can bring our values together.

Gary Moore, Ashland: He has been planning blue convention for three years. Fundraising has been difficult, but the convention should cover what’s needed. It turns out to be a big fundraiser- Sold Out! Seemed very excited about it. Money is still being counted, unsure total but raised enough to keep office open. Money goes to rent, utilities, printing, recruiting. Costs roughly $2,400/month and after this convention they have enough money to keep office open for a year. Help candidates actively promote new voters. Noticeable amount of more youth voters, more diversity; mainly from the Latinos. Thinks Obama is absolutely cool! Thought it was smart for an unknown candidate as Obama started out attacked winning the population areas. McCain made the wrong choices compared to Obama.  “This is the most important election, it regenerated younger population prospect of change. The youth are speaking and going in a new direction.”

Bill Gabriel, Ashland: Thinks this is the most pivotal election — by far most important election he has ever experienced. He says he is exhausted from the process but still excited about the outcome. He’s hoping now that the Senate will get to 60 Democrats. He’s not worried about Obama but more for Congress. He teaches high school and says his students are thrilled about Obama.

Tana Domecq-Davis, Jacksonville: She has worked to help keep the Democratic office stay open and has been very involved with Democratic events.  Her husband ran for Oregon Congress and she helped run his campaign. She says this election brings so much excitement after so much despair.

“ Obama or Die” — Many Democrats say this election is life or death.

Jim Faircoth from Ashland: Hopes for better days to come if Barack Obama is elected. Faircoth said, “ I’m here to celebrate the Democratic victory and hopefully be singing happy days are here again”. When asked if what he would do if McCain won, Faircoth said, he will “consider committing suicide”.

Annadale Williamson, Medford, treasurer for Jackson County Central Democratic Convention: Says the youth vote is very important, and the election is very exciting. She says that Obama can work on the economy and help the issue of healthcare.  Also she said that the youth voters should  be informed, and find out for themselves, to be well informed is crucial.

Cynthia, Medford: This election was too long of an election process. There needs to be more than two parties in the race. Best thing about this election is the youth vote. She thinks that Obama will help unite us as a people. By creating a diverse cabinet, including Republicans, he can bring us together as a country.

Blue Bash react

Democrats react to hearing the news of Obama victory Tuesday. (Maria Mazhary)

Youth celebration

Young people gather in Ashland Plaza to celebrate Obama

Republican Party at the Red Lion

Terry Veckey at the Republic Party election night bash. (Photo Holly Dillemuth)

Brennan Hackett, 5, with a McCain bumper Sticker covering his mouth. (photo by Holly Dillemuth).

Sal Esquivel on the vote

“We were the city on a hill”

Holly Dillemuth sent in this report from the Republican party in Medford, just after Obama was named president:

Bob Eidsvoog of Medford is the son of Norewegian immigrants who stopped through the United States by way of their honeymoon more than a quarter of a century ago and decided to stay put. The 74-year-old Republican headquarters volunteer said his parents “brought to this country a strong sense of personal responsibility.”

“They didn’t look to somebody for a handout – that’s been missing,” Eidsvoog said.

That said, the fact that Barack Obama has won the presidency makes him uneasy.

“I simply feel sorry for this country,” Eidsvoog said. He explained how his grandsons serving in the Air Force had difficulty earning clearance into top security and that if Obama were to apply for the same privilege, he would probably be denied.

“And yet he is going to control all of our armed forces,” Eidsvoog said. “I know what my grandsons went through to qualify before they were granted top security clearance.”

Fellow Republican volunteer Val Smullen agrees that with Eidsvoog and went on further to say that the country is now at risk for vulnerability.

“The change that’s coming leaves a great question as to whether it will be positive or negative for my grandchildren,” Smullen said.

“I’m very sad for the country; I’ve lived in a socialist state.” Smullen was born south of London and married an American officer during World War II. Smullen hopes that America will not revert to the socialism found in the 1940s.

“I was still a child then,” Smullen said. “(Socialists) destroyed the country.” Smullen referenced universal healthcare as an example of how Smullen believes Obama will direct the nation towards socialist ideals. She is concerned that people will have no incentive to do something for themselves.

“As President Reagan said, ‘We were the city on a hill,'” Smullen said. She believes that America used to believe that America was “the beacon of light.”

In the following months, Smullen goes so far as to say that she worries about the safety of American citizens.

Now that Obama is commander-in-chief, Smullen said, “We will see a terrorist attack in the next six months. It’s very sad for you young people.”

Obama had many Republican faithfuls saying “if only,” election evening.

“McCain would have been much more likely to stabilize the economy,” Smullen said. ” Let the market stabilize it.” She said 50 percent of her investments have gone down since the economy slump began.

“I could outlive the money I have to live on.”

She predicts a stock market slump Wednesday morning because Obama is “anti-business” and “for government control of everything.”

In the following months, Smullen goes so far as to say that she worries about the safety of American citizens.

Now that Obama is commander-in-chief, Smullen said “We will see a terrorist attack in the next six months. It’s very sad for you young people.”

Smullens grandaughter will be attending Yale next year and feels that she will have a rough future ahead.

“What I feel the worst could happen is that we become like Nazi Germany,” Smullen said.  She believes that in the next two years, if the American people will have wake up and get rid of liberal people in Senate and House, there is still hope.

“That’s the only hope for the country’s future.”

The Halfway Point

At 11 p.m. the Country Election Office has reported 50.9 percent of the vote recorded:

President of the United States

Barack Obama    31,489  (52.02 percent)

John McCain   27,446  (45.34 percent)

U.S. Senator

Gordon Smith 28,089   (47.86 percent)

Jeff Merkley  26,858   (45.76 percent)

County Commissioner

Dennis C.W. Smith  28,933    (50.81 percent)

Jim Olney   27,907    (49.08 percent)

House District 5

Lynn Howe     8,199      (49.7 percent)

Sal Esquivel    8,272      (50.15 percent)

Ashland Mayor

John Stromberg   2,882   (40.53 percent)

George Kramer    2,163  (30.42 percent)

Ashland Council Position 1

John Gaffey   1,808    (20.58 percent)

Carol Voisin  5,024   (79.03 percent)

Ashland Council Position 3

Cate Hartzell  2,643   (38.24 percent

Greg Lemhouse  4,245  (61.42 percent)

On the Republican Side

Stalwart Republican Don Ellsworth reacts with displeasure after learning of Obama’s victory Tuesday night.

Blue Bash Victory Notes

Our reporters, Charlotte Duren, Devon Allen and Johanna Zimbelman, send in these words:

At tonight’s Blue Bash at the Ashland Armory, Democrats have their eyes glued to the screen, anxiously awaiting news from the polls. There is talk around the Bash that if McCain wins, they are going to pack up and move away. Mike Morgan of Ashland said, “ You can come find me in Mexico or Canada if McCain Wins.” Democrat Betsey Lewis said she “couldn’t live in a country run by McCain.”
Obama hopefuls are excited at the idea of a new president in office. Many of the Democrats at the Bash are confident that Obama will win, yet when asked how they would feel if McCain came out on top, Kieran Devine commented that she “wouldn’t want to be an American if that happened.” Jim Faircoth, an older voter from Ashland, said he is here to celebrate the Democratic victory and hopefully will be singing “happy days are here again.” He also commented that if McCain wins he will consider committing suicide.

Hal Cloer of Ashland said he is very uneasy about the election. He was apprehensive to say that if Obama does win he is concerned for his safety, because it only takes one crook. He said he is very surprised that Obama has made it this far,

Kathleen Gaddis from Central Point said he is “Here to celebrate!” He says it’s time for change. “I’m a metaphysical person. If McCain wins it’s meant to be. Although if he does win, the US has not learned its lesson.”

Vicki Griesinger of Ashland is part of the planning committee. “I feel Obama is the right man for the job and im not expecting to be disappointed tonight.”

Betsey Lewis of Medford says she has been working on the campaign for months and is here with her son Kai Lewis-Kelly, who is 15. Kai has been dedicating every day after school to volunteer for Jeff Merkeley. He was inspired to be apart of the campaign by musician Michael Franti of the Green party. Both Betsey and Kai have promised each other to move to Canada if McCain won. Kai quotes Franti when he says: “Change is coming.”

“The election is looking like a win for Obama,” said Dan Milan of Ashland said. He said he feels the election is very important and what is happening now will affect the future. Dan’s wife Iris said, “We will survive if McCain is elected,” yet she feels Obama is the better choice. “Obama is very sensitive, and really cares about what’s happening.” Iris said she feels Obama would make a “wonderful president.”

Sherri Morgan of Ashland was very happy to see a response at this level of enthusiasm. She would love to see a black president and put prejudice behind us. She was brought to tears when she said that watching this historic moment was like watching the Berlin wall fall down. When asked how she was feeling at the moment, Morgan said, “It is going to be a blow out. This is good because it shows there is a mandate for change. But at the same time we need to remember Republicans still have issues that need to be met so we need to cooperate with one another.”

Many are saying this is election is riding on the youth vote.

Alec Schwimmer of Jacksonville, said he hopes Obama will “make our economy better” and “get us out of Iraq war.”

Barbara Hopfinger, age 72, of Ashland said: “It’s unbelievable.” She said she believe he will “make a difference in our grandchildren and the younger population. Obama is a favorite in Europe, Asia, Obama will make the world see the United States as a better country.” She said he has brought lots of young and diverse voters out this election and that America has heard their voices.

Stacy Bannerman says while it’s a happy occasion she is thinking about families who have lost soldiers.

And Rebecca Pearson, Ashland, is ecstatic. She loves seeing more younger voters participate and says many people are thrilled about Obama. She said she saw fireworks set off in celebration on her way to the Bash.

Jubliation in Ashland

Photos by Maria Mazhary

Simone Renne Moore reacts to listening to Barack Obama.

John Gronberg celebrates at the Blue Bash

Gary Moore Master of Ceremony at the Blue Bash