Republican Voters In Seattle Suburbs Lean Toward McCain

By Brad Zimmerman and Will Mari

The 250 or so people in Discovery Elementary cafeteria are wrapping things up.

A really rough count by organizers at this GOP caucus site gives about 60-70 percent of the vote to McCain, with Huckabee coming in second and Ron Paul third.

"We had a good turnout, the quantity was here, and people came and engaged in discussion on the bubble sheet," said David Irons, referring to the policy forms the voters in the precinct meetings had to hash out. "I heard a lot of give and take, which is great," Irons said.

Impromptu debates sprang up over the war, abortion, health care and education. "You can have 12 Republicans in room, and 20 different positions," he said. The goal was to get as much consensus on the various issues as possible, in order to form a more coherent platform at the state convention to be held in late May.

"It went a lot more smoothly than I anticipated," added Stan Gunno, a precinct committee officer who helped run the event. There was some haggling, and some groups last longer than others, but the voters here moved fairly quickly through the process.

The precinct officers dropped off their group's packets containing platform sheets and ballots. The next stop is the county and then state GOP HQ in Tukwila for a final tally.

"I love it," said Jeff Mitchell, another PCO.

"It's really getting Republicans together ... [they're] not as active as Democrats," so he said it's important for Republicans to have a chance to talk about their positions on issues that matter to conservatives. "People are involved with this so they can hear other points of view."

Andrew Baghai, 18, and a senior at nearby Skyline High School, was at his first caucus with his friend Josh Walleck, also a first-timer.

"It doesn't look too complicated," he said, gesturing to the sheet. The two were late and had trouble finding their precincts, but settled in with a group of about 10 of their neighbors.

"I took a government AP class, so I should be OK," added Walleck.

Wesley and Erika Mitchell were the only two to show up for their precinct, and thus had an easy time electing themselves as delegates to the upcoming district meeting on March 8. They're Ron Paul fans and in their 20s.

"It's kinda sad," she said, commenting on the lack of youth voters at the caucus. "I think it's nice," countered her husband. "I don't have to argue with anyone," he said.

They want to go on to the state and then the national convention. Both first-time caucus goers, and they said they enjoyed the process, despite its quirks.

"It's pretty hard core," said Wesley. "It's good to see people who may not have the same views, but who do have an interest in America's future."

They said they're representing the youth vote for the GOP.

Mike Montgomery, was from the other side of the age column.

The veteran of six caucuses, he was impressed by the turnout, calling it the biggest he's ever seen. As a Romney supporter, he reluctantly cast his ballot for McCain, but he's hopeful his man winds up as either McCain's vice-presidential nominee or in a cabinet position.

The focus now should be on party unity. "You got to start coming together," he said.