Election results rock area watch parties
BY ZACK STOYCOFF & MICHAEL OVERALL World Staff Writers
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
11/07/12 at 4:16 AM
Election Day Photo Essay: See all the photographs taken by Multimedia Producer John Clanton throughout the day in Tulsa, chronicling what happened and the point of views of Tulsans of both parties.
See the Tulsa World’s coverage of local, state and national elections.
After the election was called in favor of President Barack Obama, the excitement at the Tulsa County Democratic Party's watch party was palpable Tuesday night.
"It's indescribable," Obama supporter Sharon Mitchell said. "My heart is filled with joy and excitement."
Supporter Jodie Woods said, "I'm ecstatic for four more years of change."
Mitchell agreed, saying, "We still have a lot of work to do as a country and a community."
Crowds had massed around televisions and projector screens at local watch parties for both parties Tuesday night as results trickled in.
Brian Marcum, who attended the Democratic Party's event at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, had tapped his foot for hours from a chair he had placed within reach of a television.
"My blood pressure's up," he said earlier in the evening. "I'm nervous."
The Tulsa County Republican Party's watch party at CityPlex Towers seemed upbeat early in the evening but grew quieter as the night wore on and GOP candidate Mitt Romney's prospects dwindled.
But two big cheers broke out at the Republican event - the first when news reports confirmed that the GOP would retain control of the U.S. House and another when 1st District congressional winner Jim Bridenstine took the stage.
But early confidence turned to nervousness when the presidential candidates were separated by a few percentage points in key battleground states.
Although Romney easily carried Oklahoma, gaining about 67 percent of the vote with 98 percent of precincts reporting, Obama prevailed nationally.
"Well," said Larry Gallo, who worked on Bridenstine's campaign, "we will survive this. But I was sure looking forward to waking up tomorrow to a President Romney."
At the Democratic Party watch party, some supporters had been less than confident at first, but their exuberance grew as the night went on.
Rick Martin and Karen Duncan arrived early to get seats close to the television.
Complete strangers before the night, they bonded over praise for Obama.
A crowd of dozens gathered behind them as live results took precedence over live music booming from the building's banquet hall.
"This is my Super Bowl night," Martin said. "I'm here until it's over."
Duncan, a California resident who was in Tulsa for business, said she would stay glued to the television "until it's time to dance."
Original Print Headline: Results rock area watch parties
Zack Stoycoff 918-581-8486 Michael Overall 918-581-8383
zack.stoycoff@tulsaworld.com michael.overall@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Annette Combs of Tulsa and other Obama supporters react Tuesday night after the presidential election is called for President Barack Obama at the Tulsa County Democratic Party watch party. JAMES GIBBARD/Tulsa World
Lynelle Lancaster of Tulsa reacts to the news that President Barack Obama had won a second term at the Republican watch party at CityPlex Towers on Tuesday night. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
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