Audio By Carbonatix
By Benjamin Leatherman
Governor Janet Napolitano began ecstatically cheering, clapping, and dishing out high-fives mere moments after CNN announced that Barack Obama will be the next president of the United States.
Napolitano was in attendance at a packed Democratic Party rally at the Wyndham Hotel in downtown Phoenix amidst hundreds of fellow Obama supporters.
“It feels really good,” Napolitano said. “And one of the best things about it, so many people were involved, having a good time, really united in a campaign that’s something larger than their individual selves. You don’t see that often, and it’s very heartwarming when you do. The energy in this room is incredible.”
When news happens, Phoenix New Times is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
But does she have her eye on any positions in the Obama Cabinet?
“You know, I’m not going there tonight,” Napolitano said. “I’m just celebrating the win.”
She wasn’t the only one celebrating, as the hotel’s third-floor ballroom was filled to capacity with a throng of the Obama faithful, who went absolutely bat-shit when the television networks projected the Illinois senator as the winner. Hundreds of other supporters choked the lobby below waiting to get into the party.
The rally was also a gloat-fest for local Democrats, as they gained seats both in the state Legislature and Congress. State representatives Jackie Thrasher and Ken Cheuvront spoke to the crowd and reveled in their party’s victory.
Here’s some video I shot of Napolitano celebrating:
