At the Republican election night party at the Marriott in downtown Des Moines, the mood was more somber than at the Dems' party. When TV networks called the race in Iowa for Democrat Barack Obama promptly at 9 p.m., people booed and some said, “Nobama!” About 100 supporters of Republican John McCain had gathered there. Few smiles could be seen and people didn’t seem too excited.

"I find it interesting since the polls aren't closed yet, but I can't say it surprises me," said Stewart Iverson, chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa. "Polls had him (Obama) up. I think Senator McCain and Governor Palin worked very hard here, but remember, this is the state that got Obama started."

Labels: 2008_election