Despite poll numbers showing Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's clear lead in his home state of Illinois, his supporters in the state's biggest city are still trying to canvass more votes for him before election day.
Obama's campaign headquarters in Illinois remained busy at around 5 p.m. on Monday, just hours before Americans' "decision day" to elect the next president.
Scores of volunteers crammed three rooms underground, holding a handset in one hand and fingering at a long list of voters, and several more had to sit on the floor in the aisle outside, calling voters with their cell phones.
"I asked people whether they have already voted yet and whether they are planning to vote tomorrow," said John Speh, who has been volunteering to campaign for Obama since January. "I just gave them all information like where polling stations are located."
Speh said he has called more than 100 registered voters within hours.
"I truly believe in this man (Obama)," he said. "He is truly honest, intelligent and articulated, and I believe this man has capabilities to achieve what he has promised."
The last calls were made across the state through Monday, one day before Illinois Senator Obama takes a showdown with his presidential rival John McCain.
The Democrat scheduled his election night party in the city where he began his public service and political career.
The party, which is set in the Grant Park beside the Michigan Lake, is to attract as many as 1 million people, but many more have to witness the historic moment outside due to the limited number of credentials.
"We expect a huge turnout, not only the people local here in Chicago, but all over in Illinois and all over in the nation, a lot of people that support Obama should be here," said Ryan Gonez, a 24-year-old student from Columbia College in Chicago.
Nevertheless, the odds are still that the party could celebrate Obama's successful bid for the White House or witness his failed attempt to be the country's first African American president.
"And if we can't get tickets, we are going to be out here supporting him anyway," Ryan added.
Obama's house in the south of Chicago became a new travel destination upon election day despite tight security around the community, with reporters and visitors all being blocked about 30 meters away from the entrance of the street where Obama's residence is located.
"I am glad I am part of this history that is about to happen and is happening now," said Rosslyn Petes, a black woman from Indiana who came all the way to have a glimpse of Obama's house. "He does not only cheer up our minorities, but also America as a whole because we need changes and it is time to change."
However, McCain's trailing poll numbers in the state did not frustrate his supporters here. At least, he can take comfort in having a vote from James D'Angelo, a senior student of Northwestern University.
"I am attracted by almost all of his ideas, such as less government intervention is better for economy and we have to be strong in foreign polices to keep us safe," he said. "I also care about his policies in education and health care."
McCain's policies give more power and choices back to people, he added.
(Xinhua News Agency November 4, 2008)
