Precinct officials at the State Historical Museum in Des Moines were expecting no more than 300 people to show up to caucus. They were wrong, very wrong.

Lines were backed up to the doors of the museum until the 7 p.m. deadline with a final tally of 402 individuals ready to support their Democratic candidate of choice.

The initial chaos of the caucus had some people like Des Moines resident Michael Lane worried, but by the end of the evening, it turned out to be a textbook example of what the Iowa caucuses are all about.

“Oh god, I definitely think this could be better organized. I think I’m in the right place, but I’m really not sure,” Lane said. “If I miss the deadline I would be really upset about it.”

Lane said he would be supporting Hillary Clinton, after the New York senator made her final address to Iowans on the eve of the caucuses.

“I decided on Hillary last night becuase she finally adressed some issues honestly and credibly,” he said.

While Lane and many others supported Clinton, Sen. Barrack Obama had far and away the most vocal group of supporters. Des Moines resident Harry O’Daniels took the opportunity to take charge during his first caucus by helping with the commotion of Precinct 64 by answering questions and leading individuals to the correct areas to register.

“This is my first time being able to caucus and let me tell you I am excited to be a part of this process,” O’Daniels said. “This country needs change and we are all here to make sure that happens.”

First-time caucus-goers Ashley Oliver and Sarah Sampson were both also at the State Historical Museum to show their support for Obama. Despite being thrilled to be there, both women knew they were there for a purpose.

“Obama is the one candidate that will generate the necessary change for this country,” Oliver said. “He is a fantastic person and a great speaker that can help us turn the corner.”

Sampson, of Illinois, dismissed the notion that Obama is inexperienced and gave her approval of her hometown politician.

“I’ve seen what Obama has done in the state of Illinois and I know that he can bring that active approach to the White House,” Sampson said. “Being from Illinois, this choice was really an obvious one for me.”

Supporting other candidates at Precinct 64 was not as easy for others on Friday. Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards didn’t have the necessary 15 percent of support until just under five minutes when it was revealed that Bill Richardson and Joe Bidenwould not be viable with less than 15 percent apiece. In turn, Richardson and Biden supporters jumped ship and moved over to the Edwards bandwagon to officially make Precinct 64 a three-horse race between Obama, Clinton and Edwards.

Ruth Anne Petrak, who has been working the caucuses as a precinct chairwoman since 1972, declared the State Historical Museum “a zoo,” but pointed out that having the opportunity, as Iowans, to get the first crack at the candidates is a right that should be cherished.

“We have the respect of other states that make us a winnowing state,” Petrak said. “This kind of thing doesn’t happen in other parts of the country.”