A somber GOP 'celebration'

'I BLAME BUSH' | Party faithful gather to socialize, with little to cheer about

It was billed as a "celebration steps away from Barack Obama's concession speech" as 200 people turned out for a viewing party hosted by Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica, the Chicago Young Republicans and the United Republican Fund of Illinois.

Held on the second floor of the Hilton Chicago, a stage flanked by two high-definition flat-screen televisions tuned to Fox News but with the sound muted. The crowd seemed to be there more to network and socialize than watch returns.

When solid red states like South Carolina and Arkansas were called for McCain, there was a smattering of polite applause. Defeats such as Pennsylvania being called for Obama elicited few reactions.

It was in stark contrast to the impromptu Democratic party in the first-floor hotel bar visible from a balcony at the Republican gathering. That crowd seemed to cheer or jeer as each race was announced.

The second-floor crowd seemed at times to be disheartened listening to the cheers from the official Obama party across the street in Grant Park.

Jeremy Rose, political director for the Chicago Young Republicans, said the location of the event was less than ideal but was planned before Obama had booked the Grant Park venue.

"No one is delusional," Rose said. "We recognize this is both Obama's hometown and a Democratic stronghold."

The official John McCain viewing party was held at the nearby English club, with a maximum occupancy of 250. Rose hoped some McCain supporters would end up at the Hilton gathering.

More than 400 people had made reservations to show up at some point in the evening. About half that number were on hand at 8 p.m. as some of the major states began to report their results.

Elissa Pancoe, a member of the Chicago Young Republicans and Log Cabin Republicans said she came out to socialize and network.

"There's definitely a more somber tone," she said. "I blame [President] Bush. I consider myself a fiscal conservative, and the Republican Party has moved away from that."

Dennis LaComb, executive director of the United Republican Fund of Illinois, the oldest independent GOP organization in the state, remained optimistic with regard to several key state races.

"We think people are tired of one-party rule in Illinois," he said. "People are ready for change."