Caucuses to be crammed

Democratic and Republican leaders say they are bracing for what is expected to be a record turnout in Saturday's caucuses.

The challenges are logistical ones, such as ensuring enough parking spaces, sign-in sheets and people giving directions to caucusgoers,

"Some people say if we get good weather, we'll get overrun. We're probably going to get overrun regardless," said Richard Wright, chairman of the 21st Legislative District Democrats.

Organizers urge people to carpool and come early; caucuses start at 1 p.m., and doors open at most places by 12:30 p.m.

Bring plenty of patience to deal with what will seem confusing and overwhelming.

"We really do not know how big the crowd is going to be," said Marsha Scutvick, a Snohomish Democrat organizing one of the caucuses. "Getting them all pointed in the right direction will be the biggest challenge."

As if the level of excitement isn't high enough, it will get a further boost today when presidential candidates Democratic Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama and Republican Sen. John McCain campaign in Western Washington.

Clinton, of New York, will be in Tacoma, and Obama, of Illinois, will be in Seattle this morning while McCain, of Arizona, will be in Seattle this evening. In addition, Obama's wife, Michelle, will attend an event in Spokane, while Janet Huckabee, spouse of GOP candidate Mike Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor, is in Kirkland.

Even before these events were scheduled, life has been increasingly hectic in the Snohomish County Democratic Party headquarters.

Phones ring nonstop, e-mails pile up and printers churn copies of sheets to sign in thousands of expected participants.

"It's going to be an event. That's for sure," said Democratic volunteer Michele Meaker Pin.

Republican caucus organizers expressed similar excitement for a turnout that is expected to eclipse 2004 levels. Unforeseen problems will present themselves, they said.

"There are always questions, and there is always confusion that comes up," said Jason Bontrager, who is overseeing proceedings for three dozen Republican precincts at Maltby Christian Assembly.

"It's going to be fantastic. We look forward to some lively discussion and debate," Bontrager said.

Wright will be at Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, where all 127 precincts in the district will gather. Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire is scheduled to stop by at the outset.

Volunteers are set up for traffic control and to provide rides to those who are homebound. A copy machine will be brought in just in case they run out of sign-in sheets.

Food? Muffins and vending machines. "That's what all caucuses run on," Wright said.

Overall, participation is expected be higher at Democratic caucuses than at the Republican gatherings.

That's partly because Republicans have a second means of backing a candidate: the presidential primary that concludes Feb. 19. Nearly half the state's 40 GOP delegates to its national convention will be allotted based on the results. Democrats will distribute all convention delegates through caucuses.

And when Mitt Romney dropped out Thursday, it deflated supporters such as Larry Countryman of Snohomish, who planned to work hard to build support for the former Massachusetts governor Saturday in the caucus taking place in his home.

While he'll still brew coffee and offer snacks, he said Thursday his energy level has dipped and he'll need to decide if he'll back a new candidate.

As far as preparations go, he's ready.

"We've got plenty of room and plenty of parking," he said.

Reporter Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623 or jcornfieldheraldnet.com.