While tens of thousands in the Mile High City packed Invesco Field on Thursday, August 28, the Old Pueblo had it’s own watch party to celebrate Barack Obama’s historic nomination. It took place downtown, within the historic walls of Hotel Congress.

Several hundred people crowded around monitors, excited to see history in the making. “This is the first time in many years I’ve been excited about politics,” says Barbara Garcia. Adds Margo Martinez, “I really feel that we need change, and I believe Obama’s the man for that job.”

Change has been the campaign rallying cry of the now-official Democratic Presidential nominee, Barack Obama. “If Obama’s elected President, I really have a lot of hope,” says Garcia.

For many who gathered for the Tucson viewing, it’s been a long road that has included canvassing neighborhoods and making hundreds of phone calls – in some cases, on behalf of other candidates. “I originally supported Hillary, there was a lot of things about her I liked, but at this point, Obama’s a wonderful candidate,” says Laura Dent. “He’s ready to lead, and Hillary supports him. We’ve got to unite the party, so that’s what is important.”

Tucson Democrats say their party is united, but before the hard work begins leading up to the November 4^th election, Thursday night was a time to let loose. “We want to make sure that he (Obama) makes it and goes all the way,” says Martinez.