Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett says he plans to attend one of the caucuses in Des Moines tonight , the first time he's ever done so.

Barrett, who is in Iowa to support Sen. Barack Obama, said that even though Democrats and Republicans run their caucuses differently, both get supporters involved at the grassroots level.

"To me that's really important, particularly in presidential politics where the American people can be very cynical because so much of it is driven by polls and media advertising," Barrett said.

Many of Obama's supporters are young and first-time caucus goers, which has led some pundits to question whether they'll show up.

"Normally, that would potentially be the case," Barrett said, "but I think they spent so much time organizing and working to make sure people do come and I think that's going to be very helpful at the end of the day."

Barrett spent yesterday and the first half of today in Dubuque meeting with party members, undecided voters and working the phones.

Barrett said Obama staffers, like those in other campaigns, are hopeful and optimistic.

"Everybody is doing everything they can here in the eleventh hour," Barrett said.

He said he had not had a chance to meet with Obama in person on the trip yet, but likely will tonight in Des Moines.

Labels: Democrats