Voter turnout.

I am blogging live from the cafeteria of Valley High School in Des Moines, IA. 419 total caucus goers have arrived at precinct 212 which is more than double the turn out in 2004. In this precinct, 181 new democrats have registered tonight.

Candidates must receive 15% of 419 (which is 63 in this precinct) in order to be "viable" (go onto the next round) where they can lobby the supporters of non-viable candidates to join them during the realignment period. The democratic process is wild ; energetic chatter fills the room. It is largely operated by those who are caucusing.

So far in round 1: (Candidate- # of Votes)Clinton-85; Obama-154; Edwards-64, Richardson-60; Dodd and Biden are still organizing.

The republicans are next door in the auditorium where Gov. Romney along with two of his sons and other prominent supporters of other candidates are greeting and answering questions as caucus goers enter. The republican process is more orderly and simpler than that of the democrats.

Witnessing these caucuses unfold is something I wish everyone had the opportunity to experience. I was lucky enough to stand beside Gov. Romney as the republicans in the auditorium recited the pledge before the caucus began. The process leading up to the caucus when Iowans "date" the candidates is uniquely personal-- it is my opinion that the purest form of democracy happens in Iowa's caucuses.
-Adam Parker