Local News

The Seattle Times political team explores national, state and local politics.

First AME Church member Dorothy Steele wears an Obama cap her friend made. Steele attended an election party held at the church in Seattle.(Photo Genevieve Alvarez/The Seattle Times)

From Times videographer Genevieve Alvarez:

While most attendees at First AME Church’s election party had gone home early after results showed Obama with a clear lead, a few remaining members of the party stayed behind to watch Mitt Romney’s concession speech.

Dorothy Steele, who wore a red cap with “Obama” embroidered on the front said, “I’m so happy. He’s worked so hard. To see him on TV reaching out to all those people on the East Coast who lost everything was incredible. He’s worked so hard.”

Said church member Denise Brown, “I’m feeling mighty good. Mighty good. It took eight years to get us into this mess, and it’s gonna take eight years to get us out. The next four years are going to be big.”

Member Debbie Cavitt, who runs the children’s choir says, “Dr. Martin Luther King planted the seed,and I am truly thankful history has been made.”

Obama supporter Denise Brown, center, cheers along with others as results for are shown on a big screen at First AME Church. (Photo by Genevieve Alvarez/The Seattle Times)

Amy Alpine, red dress, hugs Stephanie Scott-Hatley, facing camera, at First AME Church’s 2012 election party. (Photo by Genevieve Alvarez/The Seattle Times)