"I consider myself truly one of those grassroots supporters," Tim McEntde said. "It all comes down to how genuine he is. Ed is someone you can talk to. I support him instead of Boswell not because of his policies -- they both stand as Democrats on the issues -- I support Fallon as a matter of his personality."

Nearly 100 people packed the balcony level of the Raccoon River Brewery in downtown Des Moines to watch the results come in with their candidate. Even as Fallon trailed Boswell by double digits, supporters remained hopeful that their man would pull it out.

"I'm ready for a change, and Ed is it," said Helena Hadek. "He is light-years ahead on issues of environmental concern and transportation systems. He is a representative of real change away from the status quo in Washington, and I think that is why so many young people are coming out to work for him."

Indeed, the crowd at the Fallon event was markedly younger than the one down the street for Boswell.

"He's real, he's honest, and he always sticks to his values," said first-time voter, Rhiannon Helfer. "I'll support Boswell as a Democrat if he comes out on top, but I hope to see Ed as the nominee."

While Fallon's supporters have been known for their activism and powerful dedication to their candidate, at least some were willing to look to the future at a general election that didn't include Fallon.

"I think the majority of the people in this room would be satisfied with Boswell," McEntde said. "We'd just rather see a personality like Fallon in D.C."

Labels: 2008_primary