Republicans subdued but upbeat at Senior Center

By 8 p.m. Larimer County Republicans were gathered around computer screens

and televisions, eagerly following the election on a national, state and

local level.

A room that had been rented out at the Fort Collins Senior Center was filled

with about 80 people. Some chatted about specific issues and others

reminisced about past elections. The mood was still generally upbeat as

people helped themselves to food and soda.

Stan, 75, and Faith Atwood, 72, sat with friends hoping things would swing

in their favor. Faith Atwood said she is paying particularly close attention

to the presidential race.

"I just pray that McCain gets in," she said.

She grew up in Windsor and said she has always been a Republican, but didn't

get really involved until she met Stan to whom she has been married for 14

years. Stan has had a long history of involvement within the Republican

party.

"I think this is the highest emotional election of any, but did we always

say that?" she asked. "Our country has a lot of problems right now,

financially, morally and we are at war. That's what makes this such an

important election."

Steve Ripley, 33, of Evanston, Wy., came to Fort Collins to volunteer during

the last few days. He said Wyoming was already pretty set and so he figured

he could have more of an impact in Colorado.

Since Thursday, he has been busy putting up signs , making phone calls and

knocking on doors.

"It will be a much tighter race here," he said.

Now, as the election is down to the wire, he joins fellow Republicans and

waits.