Barack Obama gained the approval of the roughly 1,000 caucus-goers in the five Ames precincts that met in separate rooms of the Memorial Union on Thursday, thanks in part to stunted student turnout. The Illinois senator came out on top for the Democrats in the entire state of Iowa.

People of all ages could be seen flooding the halls of the Memorial Union before voting began. About 25 high school students from Ann Arbor, Mich., were present to observe the caucusing process.

Even Hollywood made its presence known: actress Scarlett Johansson was on hand to pledge support for Obama. She said his rejection of the war in Iraq several years ago was crucial to gaining her support.

“I felt like I was speaking and nobody was listening, and I felt his presidency was the best way to make my voice heard,” she said.

Obama largely dominated the evening, his name emblazoned on more stickers, signs and T-shirts than any other candidate. Student support was only a small part of his success. Only about 25 people each were in the Campanile Room and Gallery Room, which represent the Richardson Court area and Friley Hall, respectively.

“My friends aren’t politically active. I want to vote,” said Jeremy Keiser, sophomore in mechanical engineering. “I see many young people not voting. I think they have a lot more influence than they think.”

The greatest turnout was in the Sun Room, housing the Northridge, Somerset and Schilletter/University Village area. More than 550 people packed the room from wall to wall.

Perhaps the most surprising development of the evening was front-runner Hillary Clinton’s poor performance, gaining viability in only that precinct.

“I was kind of surprised in my precinct that Hillary had no viability,” said alumnus Mario Limonciello, who attended the caucuses for the first time.

In most cases, when Clinton did not get the 15 percent precinct total needed to be viable, supporters of the New York senator had to endorse another Democrat.

“I’m very upset right now,” said Tracy McCullough, junior in pre-journalism and mass communication. “I didn’t think I would have to make a second choice.”

John Edwards was the clear second favorite of the evening, taking second place in four of the five districts.

“I feel like he cares the most about the little people, with universal health care and helping people in poverty,” said Breehan Lucchesi, of Ames.

Bill Richardson had a decent showing, achieving viability in two precincts. In the Great Hall, representing Frederiksen Court and the Brookside/Ridgemont areas, Richardson supporters coaxed a couple of undecided voters to join their ranks to gain the numbers needed for viability.

“His international experience makes him the person I want to be commander in chief,” said Karen Lawson, of Ames, precinct captain for Richardson. “This is not the time I want to leave things to the inexperienced.”

Some ISU students came to observe the process, not to participate.

“I’m sympathetic for the party,” said Ryan Gerdes, graduate student in electrical engineering. “I’m skeptical of if they will be able to accomplish any of the goals they set out for.”