Guam: Open Thread (UPDATE)
by optimusprime, Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:51:55 AM EDT
An estimated 3,000 Guamanians have casted their votes for their choice for the Democratic nominee. Up for grabs is 8 delegates (which get a half vote) added with 5 super delegates means this tiny island will be sending 9 delegates. Since it is an open caucus and will have a significant impact, many of the tropical islander are registering as Democrats.
Have the candidates overlooked Guam? Hardly.
Barack has a campaign office and Hillary did a live telecast:
There are reports of long lines and ballots are being tabulated as we speak:
This time, Obama and Clinton made their case for the territory's four regular delegates with local advertising and long-distance interviews.Lines formed early at some caucus sites.
Cynthia Estrada of Dedeo said she was making up her mind while waiting to vote, but she was leaning toward Clinton.
"She's had the experience," she said. "She's got her husband to help her."
Yona resident Tommy Shimizu said he was voting for Obama delegates.
"It's the fact that he grew up in Hawaii, and I think he can make change," he said. "I think it's time for that."
Clinton and Obama pitched improved health care and economic opportunity as they courted Guam voters from across the international date line.
Both candidates bought local advertising and conducted media interviews. In their protracted race for the nomination, no contest is being ignored.
Both Clinton and Obama say they've got the better health plan for Guamanians.
Obama said in an interview with Pacific Daily News that he would support reexamination of a $5.4 million Medicaid spending limit imposed on the territory. Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, told KUAM radio earlier that his wife would work to remove the cap.
At the moment with 37% of Precients counted the tally is at:
Obama 55% 497 Votes
Clinton 45% 401 Votes
Catch the local news coverage and results at Pacific News Center
Update [2008-5-3 14:10:15 by optimusprime]: 12/19 precints counted. The vote as of 2:45 am in Guam:899 Obama 769 Clinton
Also of signifigance is the second race on the ballot for Guam Democratic Party Chair/Vice Chair. A win for ticket Lujan/Paulino means one super delegate for Obama and one undecided. Victory by ticket Cameron/Bordallo means 2 super delegates for Clinton. The count is at:Lujan/Paulino 769 Cameron/Bordallo 546
Update [2008-5-3 14:22:27 by optimusprime]: 15/19 PreceintsObama 1393 Clinton 1,222
Lujan/Pualino 1210 Cameron/Bordallo 909
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