Thank you to all the coordinators, precinct caucus chairs, tally clerks, greeters, and all the other volunteers who helped conduct the Democratic Party caucuses on Saturday. Also, thank you to the record number of voters who turned out to caucus.

At Coupeville Middle School, we saw 909 caucus attendees, 73 percent more than in 2004, which was itself a record-setting year. Turnout was similarly overwhelming at the other caucus locations, with 1,444 at South Whidbey High School, an 87 percent increase over 2004, 461 at North Whidbey Middle School, a 125 percent increase over 2004, and 652 on Camano Island, a 124 percent increase over 2004.

Some people expressed frustration with the noise level and with the lack of adequate space at the caucus locations. Some who expressed frustration indicated a willingness and desire to help organize future caucuses, and that kind of constructive involvement is very much welcome. Others were inspired by the energy and enthusiasm, and also expressed a desire to volunteer. To both those groups, we urge you to contact Marshall Goldberg, Island County Democratic Party Chair, through the Web site at www.islandcounty

democrats.com, and offer to become involved.

It is clear that if the Washington State Democratic Party continues to use the caucus system for allocation of delegates, and the enthusiasm for attendance at these caucuses continues, more caucus locations will need to be organized in Island County. That means more volunteers will be needed. In the meantime, if you know someone who helped facilitate these caucuses, with their record-setting attendance, please express you appreciation for their volunteer effort.

Doug McKee, Duane Fulgham, Bev Potter, and Marshall Goldberg,

Area caucus coordinators