Obama does it!

STAFFORD — On Tuesday night, as people across the nation voted in elections to decide the next president of the United States, Stafford’s Democratic and Republican parties, like people in many areas, held election-night parties.

Barack Obama was announced as America’s President-elect with 51.7 percent of the popular vote, defeating Sen. John McCain.

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, speaking at a Democratic election-night party in McLean said prior to the announcement: “It is an amazing night. We’re on the cusp of a magical transformation for this nation.”

The mood at the Republican Party at Brock’s Grill in downtown Fredericksburg was a tense and muted excitement. At a point before the decision, polls had guesstimated that Obama would win in Virginia and the rest of the states, although it would be a close win.

Steven Apicella of Aquia said he felt that McCain would “definitely win in Stafford, and is very likely to win in Virginia.” Early in the evening, before the East Coast had turned in its election results, he commented, “Nationally, we still have a ways to go.”

Dan Stimpson of Falmouth remarked, “He’s already stronger than polls predicted.” At that point, Obama had not yet won Ohio, Florida or Virginia.

At Foster’s Grille in Warrenton, the Stafford Democrats were upbeat and highly energized. “We’re optimistic all the way around,” stated Brian Sanson of Widewater.

The night before the election at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, approximately 85,000 people came to see Obama. He reportedly told the crowd: “Virginia, your voice can change the world tomorrow.”

“For him not to win Stafford County would be a huge surprise,” added Sanson.

Tanya Close of Hartwood had been an active participant in this year’s Democratic race. She called local women for Obama. When asked what she thought the presidential results would be, she replied, “He’ll win overall. Not in Stafford, but a larger push in Stafford will help him to win in Virginia, which will help him to win the presidency.”

Ian Harrison, of Exeter, Devon, England, was also at the Democratic party.
“This is a really exciting time to be in the United States. It’s a very historical time to be here. Whoever wins will have an awesome job,” he said.

Republicans were pleased to see U.S. Rob Wittman, R-1st District, keep his seat on the House of Representatives.

“He’s a true representative of the people,” said Susan Johnson of Spotsylvania.

When results of former Gov. Mark Warner’s election to the United States Senate came in, Republicans were dismayed.

“I’m disappointed Warner won because I’m a true Republican,” stated Mary Burge of Spotsylvania. As results of Obama’s success in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida came in, she added worriedly, “Obama is so young.”

Excitement continued to grow in both parties’ parties, as television reports continually pointed out that the race in Virginia was “too close to call.”

The Republicans’ excitement gradually became more and more subdued as more of the Midwest states’ results were announced, and Obama’s electoral count rose higher and higher.

When Virginia was announced as a blue state for this year’s election, the Democrats became ecstatic.

“It’s wonderful to see this many young people excited about the election. This election has the same type of energy that Kennedy brought about,” said Bobby Crisp, senior vice chair of the Stafford Democratic Committee.

Seven of Stafford’s 25 precincts voted for Obama this year. Seventy-four percent of Stafford’s voters showed up at the polls, with 55,429 of 72,062 active voters voting, according to the State Board of Elections. Stafford County remained Republican, while Virginia turned Democratic for the first time in 44 years.

As Obama was announced as the nation’s president-elect, Foster’s Grille erupted with cheers heard across the parking lot.

“He’s so inspiring,” commented a Stafford county Democrat. “The people have spoken.”

“Hopefully, we can recognize that America can come together to combat the difficulties we’re currently facing,” said Scott Mayausky, Stafford’s Commissioner of the Revenue.

Mary Landgebe, a Fredericksburg Republican, commented that although it would have been nice if McCain had won: “We have every hope that Obama will become a great president.”

Megan Sweeney is a contributing writer at The Stafford County Sun. News & Messenger Communities Editor Kari Pugh contributed to this report.