Lt. Gov. Patty Judge announced that Gov. Chet Culver left Iowa earlier today to make it to Chicago for Barack Obama's victory celebration in Grant Park. She thanked everyone who worked to elect Democrats in the state, but quickly turned attention back to the presidential race.

"The real reason for feeling special tonight is the story of Barack Obama," Judge said.

Judge made reference to a pending "Obama landslide."

Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller also addressed the crowd, taking a more humble tone than many of the other Obama supporters who continue to speak of their ever-present confidence.

"We hoped we'd get here, but really really didn't always know," Miller said.

Miller thanked everyone who participated in the caucuses -- particularly those who supported candidates other than Obama but have since thrown their support to the party's nominee.

"This is a textbook example of how people should unite," he said.

Labels: 2008_election