Turnout Low but Enthusiasm High at 31st District Democratic Caucus

While turnout was low, the enthusiasm for President Barack Obama among Democrats who caucused on Sunday was not.

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White River educator and Bonney Lake resident Sheryl Lathrop showed up to the caucus sporting an "I'm a voter" T-shirt and an "Equality" symbol on her cap, and said education reform was at the top of her concerns in the upcoming election.

"With budget cuts, teachers get less time with their kids and no more stipends for special clubs or interests. Those clubs further student development," Lathrop said.

When asked what issue would be most important to her in the upcoming election as a Bonney Lake Democrat, Donna DeProspo said development and sprawl in East Pierce County was concerning.

"The accelerated growth in Bonney Lake doesn't allocate for community," DeProspo said. "And it's all about funding."

Unlike the highly contested Washington Republican caucus, to help , Obama is certain to be the Democratic nominee for president.

About 60 people turned out at Bonney Lake High from across the district--a far cry from the hundreds of Democrats who caucused there in 2008 when the race was fierce between Obama and then-Sen. Hillary Clinton, who is now the secretary of state.

Bonney Lake resident and Valley Regional Fire Authority in Auburn firefighter Michael White was the only person at his precinct table but said it was important for him to show up--he is an active board member of Washington BUS, a Democratic organization that helps youth get active in politics.

"We tell them that this stuff matters. We are all extremely affected by decisions being made, especially educational funding at the collegiate level," White said. "I'm here to do my part."

Even though the Democratic nominee was decided well before Sunday's caucus, there was still party business to attend to.

The local Democratic caucuses still were important for being the first step in choosing which delegates represent the state in the national convention. The delegates chosen will move on to the Pierce County and state caucuses later this month.