The first word from one of our staff at a precinct caucus: Kate Messer phoned in to report that the room for the Precinct 122 caucus at the YMCA East Community Branch is stuffed (she estimates 250 people inside a small room) and the cue outside is “rock concert big.”

Seems all that work by all those Democrats to educate voters on the Texas two-step has paid off.

UPDATE: Having just returned from the Caswell Elementary caucus, I can report similar circumstances. But as it didn’t look to get under way until the last vote was cast – which, judging from the line, probably wouldn’t happen until 8pm or so – your humble reporter couldn’t stick around. Sorry, democracy! – Wells Dunbar

UPDATE: Kate Messer phoned to say there are seats for 96 people in Precinct 122, and possibly six or seven times that in attendance. Lee Nichols called in and said there are similar scenes at the Precinct 242 caucus Austin Bible Church – Richard Whittaker

This article appears in February 29 • 2008.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.