The crowd was energized standing shoulder to shoulder in the South Whidbey High School commons Saturday for the Democratic Party caucus.

Nearly 700 people from 11 South Whidbey precincts reported to the high school at 10 a.m. to make their choice for presidential candidate and elect delegates to the county caucus.

The proceeding was led by Clinton Democrat, Duane Fulgham who said, “We can thank George Bush for energizing the Democratic Party.”

Fulgham remembered the caucus held four years ago when six people showed up.

Democratic caucuses were held statewide on Saturday with John Kerry getting 49 percent of the vote and Howard Dean with 30 percent.

At South Whidbey a number of students who are 18 or who will be 18 before the election in November participated in their first caucus.

South Whidbey High senior, Alex Hoelting said, “this was my first political experience… it’s both exciting and confusing.”

Hoelting said he likes what Dennis Kucinich has to say.

“He is more progressive than the other candidates,” Hoelting said.

Bayview School student, Aleah Chapin said she participated in the caucus primarily because of Dennis Kucinich.

“He has some very important ideas. I would like to see him get more press,” Chapin said.

There were 1,871 people participating in Island County caucuses.

Langley resident Charlie Davis said, “More people are motivated to be involved this year. Howard Dean has stirred a lot of interest.”

“Although at this point I am still undecided who I will vote for,” Davis said.

During the proceedings, several people gave impassioned speeches for their candidate.

Barbara Reed of Langley told the others from the Saratoga precinct that she is “grateful to Dean for pulling in young people.”

“I have three grown sons who were never political. Dean is pulling them into the race and waking them up,” Reed said.

Democratic and Republican caucuses followed the same format. Registered voters sign in and declare their candidate preference or indicate if they’re uncommitted.

Participants whose candidates lacked 15 percent of the votes could choose another candidate; people who were uncommitted to a candidate could switch candidates.

Delegates were selected in proportion according to the votes each candidate receives and will be attending the Island County convention on April 24.