Democracy is thriving here

Democracy is alive in Bonner County.

The Panida Theater was filled to the rafters Tuesday night, when young and old braved a winter storm to participate in what's been called a raucous caucus.

And raucous it was!

Whether you are a Democrat or Republican, you have to be pleased with the overwhelming interest in this election.

If you are on the D side of the aisle, you have to be giddy that so many people actually cared enough to caucus.

It wasn't so many years ago, the Bonner County Democratic caucus could have been held at a local phone booth or a booth at Connie's. A few years before that Rep. Jim Stoicheff and others actually pushed hard enough that the Sandpoint area was a Democratic stronghold.

It's healthy to have two strong parties. It's also great to see the youthful enthusiasm Barack Obama's supporters have brought to the race.

No endorsements for any candidate here.

We are just recognizing the fact that democracy roared Tuesday night at the Panida. Let's see what the Republicans can do on May 27. Or better, this summer when the Republican state convention is held in Sandpoint.

David Keyes is publisher of the Daily Bee.