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Caucus at Davenport West: 'West-enders' support candidates

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By Melissa Coulter | Friday, January 4, 2008 2:02 AM CST | () comments

Sarah Beiwel, 24, had several tough decisions to make Thursday night. The first was to register as a Democrat when she walked in the door at Davenport West High School.

“My original choice was between Biden and Ron Paul,” she said.

She went with the senator from Delaware, because she felt the Democrats, and specifically Joe Biden, were more aligned with her positions on the issues important to her — environment, foreign policy and health care.

Beiwel was one of only eight people caucusing for Biden in her precinct, so halfway through the evening, she had to make a second choice.

“It was close between Obama and Edwards,” she said.

She chose Edwards, who picked up an extra delegate from realigned Biden, Dodd and Richardson supporters.

Mitt Romney took the lead in the Republican caucuses at Davenport West. But the rest of the list was unpredictable. Some Republicans left without making up their minds.

“Sometimes you listen more to your neighbors than to all the ads and signs,” said Steve Garrington, co-captain of the

D2-1 precinct. Mike Huckabee came in second in his precinct, with Fred Thompson a close third.

Steve Grubbs was surprised at the results in his precinct. Ron Paul came in second place, just one vote behind Romney. “West-enders are a little unconventional,” explained the

D1-1 captain and Victory Enterprises owner.

Grubbs thought the turnout was higher than eight years ago when he was working for Steve Forbes. Most Republican precincts at West High had a turnout of 60 to 70 people.

Garrington said it didn’t really matter if your candidate came in first, second or third. He preached party unity.

— Melissa Coulter