Members of Redlands Area Democratic Club Applaud, Weep for Obama Victory

Members of the Redlands Area Democratic Club reveled in President Barack Obama's decisive electoral victory over Republican Mitt Romney during a gathering Tuesday night in Redlands.

Some at the party quietly applauded Romney's remarks during his televised concession speech, and there were moments of glee, laughter and excitement before Obama took the stage.

During the president's victory speech there was more applause and a few tears of relief. Emotions reflected the results. The popular vote in the presidential race was close, but Obama crushed Romney in the electoral college, 303 to 206, according to results reported by the New York Times.

Redlanders who supported Romney expressed disappointment and concern.

Redlands attorney Julie Biggs worked the phones all day Tuesday in the "Lawyers for Romney" war room in Las Vegas. They were providing procedural guidance to poll watchers and roving teams of lawyers working for the Romney campaign, Biggs said.

"Obviously we are very disappointed in the outcome," said in an email just after 11 p.m. Nov. 6. "For many of us, this was really about the continuation of the constitutional democracy established in 1789.

"Many are fearful for the future of the country," Biggs said. "But, elections are elections. We abide by them even when they are very close. This one highlights how divided we are as a nation."

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