Parties pleased with voter turnout

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - It was a tense election night for Democrats and Republicans as they gathered in Mobile to watch the returns Tuesday night.

Republicans watched the returns at Heron Lakes Country Club. Judge Charles McKnight was prepared for a tight race.

"This isn't my first rodeo, and as I started out I think both parties, both candidates and all their people feel they're going to win so it is going to be an LSU Alabama game all over again. It's going to be push and shove, but I feel very hopeful and very strong about Governor Romney's opportunity here," McKnight said.

It was Amanda Davis's first time voting. The young Republican said watching the return is more nerve wrecking than final exams.

"I'm nervous. I'm really nervous. I'm anxious. I feel like Romney right now. It's so close so I don't know," Davis said.

Tammy Smith agreed

"Definitely, like watching an Alabama game," Smith said.

At the Democratic Headquarters in Mobile, Obama supporters found some reasons to cheer early in the night.

"It's only 29 percent of the votes in, now it's 48 and he's still ahead. That's what they're yelling for," Edward Franklin said.

Franklin and others were hoping Obama could hold on to the slight early lead.

"Well it's a close race, but I think Obama's going to win it," Sherilyn Slaughter said.

"I got good hopes that the president's coming back.  Four more years," Janice Moore said.

Renee Williams expected a tight race.

"With the amount of money that's been invested I think we had to expect this kind of closeness. The country is divided. Yes it might be close, but we're counting on our guy to come out on top," Moore said.

That was true for both parties.

Both Democrats and Republicans we talked to said they were pleased with the huge turnout for the election.