Coeur d’ Alene- North Idaho College

We’re here on the ground at North Idaho College’s packed gym with some initial reactions from Obama and Clinton supporters. Caucusing has only just now begun in Kootanie County, despite MSNBC’s projections of a solid win for Obama.

Kathyrn Bassier, one of the field organizers for Obama here, expects a big “win” and is feeling good about the apparent disparity between Obama and Clinton supporters; the latter outnumbers the former by an apparent 4-to-1 margin.

Chief Allen of the Coeur d’ Alene tribe is at his first caucus and is an enthusiastic Obama supporter.

“Barack has the same feeling that we have,” he said. Allen said he could relate to Obama, and that people want something different.

“I think our county is dying for a person of color … people want change,” he said. “It’s good for the country,” he added. Allen, who’s been the tribe’s chairman for three years, wants to be a state delegate to the national convention.

Across the room, Rocky Owens, a Hillary fan, is at his third caucus.

“It’s unbelievable to see the crowd,” he said. “I didn’t there were so many Democrats in Kootanie County.” He feels a little outnumbered by the Obama-ites. But he’s just happy about the turnout.

Tracy Stephenson, another Hillary fan at her first caucus, echoed Owens.

“Around here they can’t even talk in public without being blasted [about being Democratic]. “We’re making history today,” she said. Her reason for being here: “We need universal health care. Hillary’s damn smart,” she said, and is the right woman for the job.

Jax Clay, a security consultant for the caucus site and a former independent was “impressed” by the turnout. Standing the corner as the gym echoed to the chants of Obama and Hillary fans, he asked, somewhat rhetorically, “where have all the Democrats been?”