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Check out the Obama photo gallery from his visit to El Dorado.

By DAVID A. SEATON
Traveler Staff Writer
daseaton@arkcity.net

Nearly 500 people sardined into the First Christian Church in Winfield to vote in the Democratic Party caucus Tuesday night.

Barack Obama was the big winner with a margin larger than 2 to 1 over Hillary Clinton, mirroring results across Kansas where the Illinois senator with Kansas roots won with 74 percent of caucus goers.

Despite freezing rain that turned to snow as the evening wore on, a huge number of people streamed into the church to cast their vote on Super Tuesday, along with 21 other states.

Organizers said 494 people signed in, including 175 new registered voters. Party officials had predicted about 200 total. The caucus included voters from Mulvane to Arkansas City in the 32nd Senate district.

"I just love a room full of Democrats," said Sharon Olmstead, of rural Arkansas City.

The final count inside the church was Obama 323 votes, Clinton 136 and John Edwards 1. A few participants left after the first vote, making the total lower than the announced figure.

Obama won six and Clinton won three of the delegates awarded. Long before people were counted off one by one, it was clear that Obama voters had swamped the Clinton supporters. Obama fans took up two-thirds of the room, packing a performance stage and the north side.

Clinton supporters had larger signs, but the Obama camp was highly organized, marshaled by a professional organizer named Natalie Hiatt who has done similar events in other parts of the country.

There was a clear age difference, too, with Clinton voters skewing older and Obama partisans skewing younger and more diverse in terms of race.

The event started as sort of pep rally for Democrats. Todd Moore, chairman of the Cowley County Democrats, ran the caucus with help from volunteers. Veterans were recognized, as well as two new citizens voting in America for the first time.

"This is my first vote since I became a citizen," said Ish Farid, of Winfield, who supported Obama. "I didn't know about a caucus, and know I do."

A representative for each candidate was given a few minutes to speak. Mark Krusor, a Winfield attorney, spoke for Clinton, but was inclusive in his remarks.

"It's a hell of a night to be a Democrat," he said, as the crowd erupted in applause.

The fact that voters are choosing between an African-American and a women is exciting, he said.

"All my life, people like me (white males) have been running the country," he said. "I say especially to the younger folks -- my God, you don't have any idea how fortunate you have it."

There was a large contingent of younger voters. Several high school seniors who will turn 18 by the Nov. 4 general election were allowed to vote.

Obama "appeals to the young crowd more than Hillary," said Nathan Bosie, a senior at Winfield High School. "I like that he can say 'yes' or 'no' and not dilly dally around" the issues.

Martha Dix, of Arkansas City, was selected to speak for Obama.

"The same status quo isn't getting us anywhere," she said. "We need change and Barack Obama is the change. He is the future."

Many were in the room for nearly three hours, some standing the whole time. The two sides were mostly cordial and even teased each other a little about crossing over. Many friends and acquaintances faced each other in opposing camps.

Wearing a "Hillary" button, John Mars crossed over to talk to an Obama supporter.

"Our last caucus was in a room half this size, in Udall, four years ago, and we had plenty of space," he said. "These are a lot of new, fresh faces. It's great to see them involved."

After the first count of voters, those supporting Edwards could switch to another candidate because he did not garner 15 percent of the vote.

Zachariah Smith, of Wellington, spoke for John Edwards but ended up switching his vote to Obama.

"I'm encouraged to see these people supporting Barack Obama," said Bill Van, of Arkansas City. Obama is black, but "that's not the issue, and that shows progress that I'm proud of the country for."

After final vote, most people streamed out into the snowy night. Several remained to be selected as delegates to the district convention in Wichita April. 27.

"It went beyond my expectations," Moore said of the turnout.

Despite media efforts to exploit divisions between the two candidates, "there's going to be a united party," he said. "Those people last night said they're going to support whoever wins the nomination."

Reporter Foss Farrar contributed to this report. Both Seaton and Farrar voted for Obama at the caucus.

Above: Flora Henderson of Arkansas City shows her support or Obama.