State gives Super response

ANCHORAGE - Shena and Raymond Marcil arrived at the Democratic caucus held at an Anchorage middle school with about five minutes to spare. Each grabbed blank voter forms, and within two minutes they were registered Democrats.

In 2004, neither saw any significance in attending the state caucuses. But with Alaska political parties this year moving up their caucus dates to Super Tuesday, all that changed for the Marcils.

"Four years ago, I thought it was a done deal and I didn't think I'd make a difference, so I didn't vote," said Raymond Marcil, who was officially listed as undeclared. "This time I think I can make a difference."

It was a scene that played out repeatedly in Alaska's Super Tuesday venues statewide; nearly 17,000 more people went to the polls than in 2004. Voter response was so strong in one town, the fire marshal forced organizers to move to a larger venue right in the middle of the event.

The state's Democratic turnout gave the party a boost and a sense of national significance it hadn't felt in decades. Barack Obama was the benefactor of the large turnout.

The state GOP party, which soundly backed Mitt Romney, also was buoyed by the turnout.

"It's still a Republican state," said Gerald McBeath, political science professor with the University of Alaska Fairbanks. "But, basically, the Democrats have a more interesting contest than the Republicans.

"The Democrats have youth, race and gender generating interest. The Republicans have a bunch of old guys running. The most interesting thing the Republicans have is whether McCain is too old and whether Romney is Christian or not."

Romney is a Mormon, or a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which evangelicals claim is a "cult" and not a Christian faith. Mormons feel maligned by the claims. The scriptures of Latter-day Saints include the Old and New Testament, but also include sacred books that contain the revelations of their 19th century founder Joseph Smith.

Leaders from both parties estimate more than 22,000 Alaskans showed up at polling centers Tuesday. For many, it wasn't an easy task in subzero temperatures and in some places, more than 2 feet of fresh snow.

The turnout was four times more than 2004 caucuses, which took place later in the voting cycle. Party leaders expect to have final results completed by today.

The last-minute registrations helped drive the turnout, party and campaign leaders said.

Obama's campaign credited the victory to bipartisan support. The state Democratic party had at least 2,500 people either sign up for the first time or switch parties at Tuesday's caucuses. That's more than one-fourth of the 8,600-plus who appeared at the caucuses statewide.

As of Wednesday, one district still had not reported results, but with 39 of 40 districts reporting, Obama was leading the Democratic race with 74 percent of the vote. Hillary Clinton had 25 percent.

The response was so strong at Begich Middle School in Anchorage that fire marshals threatened to have illegally parked cars towed. While some owners dutifully removed their cars, others desperate to get into the caucus simply took their spots.

"It was chaotic but in a good way because there was lots of energy there," Democratic party spokeswoman Kay Brown said. "If we had to do it again, I don't know we would have known how big it was going to be."

In the Republican presidential preference poll, Romney had a commanding lead over Mike Huckabee. With 39 of 40 districts reporting, or 98 percent, Romney had 44 percent of the vote. Huckabee trailed with nearly 22 percent, and Ron Paul led John McCain for third place.

The GOP expects to finish its final tally by Thursday afternoon, said state Republican Party Chairman Randy Ruedrich.

Ruedrich said he had expected between 5,000 and 6,000 votes statewide, but more than 13,000 showed up. That exceeds the combined turnout from 1996 and 2000.

"I based my estimate on what the campaigns were telling me, discounting slightly for excessive optimism," Ruedrich said. "I have to tell you, I'm pleasantly surprised."

For Democratic candidates, 18 national convention delegates are at stake, but five remain unpledged to a candidate. Alaska Democrats first send 411 delegates to its state convention in May, then elect its national delegates for the summer convention in Denver.

For the Republicans, there are 26 delegates at stake. First 550 delegates attend the state convention next month in Anchorage, where the 26 delegates get elected. They and three party officers will head to the summer's national convention in Minneapolis.