Most residents in precinct number 6110 at the Sparks High School theater found themselves facing off against their neighbors during the Democratic caucus on Saturday.

After the person count had been taken twice, a large majority of participants sided with New York Sen. Hillary Clinton or Illinois Sen. Barack Obama. Ninety-six people participated.

Presidential candidates had to attract 15 or more voters to be deemed viable and awarded a delegate. All nine delegates from this precinct will then attend the Washoe County Democratic Convention on Feb. 23.

After each side cheered a few slogans that sounded like a cross between veiled threats and a pep rally, several John Edwards and Joe Biden supporters trickled to the Obama side, and a couple people shuffled over to the Clinton camp.

Obama secured his victory at Sparks High's theater 5-4 over Clinton, but Obama settled for second place overall in caucuses state-wide.

Elva Alexander sided with Clinton.

"I think she is the most qualified," Alexander said. "She's got a lot of backing because her husband was in politics. We girls ought to get out in front once in a while."

Herbert Lindemann supports Obama.

"I saw the debate (in Las Vegas) and he was the only one who said anything intelligent or different," Lindemann said. "He will change the way that Washington works. I think healthcare needs to be fixed and education is important. We're falling behind the rest of the world. We're supposed to be the top industrialized nation in the world. We need someone to stop the insurance companies from making healthcare decisions, and let the health professionals do it."

Lindemann said Obama would not only be good for this country, but also good for Nevada.

"Anything he can do to slow the nuclear waste dump is good," Lindemann said.

Kathleen Rand said she will vote for Clinton.

"She's the embodiment of change," Rand said. "Her perspective will give good direction to the country. Healthcare and the war in Iraq are important issues to me."

Rand said if Clinton secures the Democratic nomination, she would like her to fight the nuclear waste dump at Yucca Mountain.

"My biggest one is Yucca Mountain; I don't want nuclear waste to go through Reno on the railroad," Rand said.

Terry Folland was one of two undecided voters at the caucus.

"I'm not sure yet which candidate I'll choose," Folland said before the caucus started. "But we still have about a year to go until elections."

By the end of the caucus, Folland had taken a spot in the Obama camp next to his wife. Folland said the two factors most important in making his decision are the economy and the Iraq war.

Grace Jensen supports Obama.

"I think he would be good with world politics," Jensen said. "He is a progressive thinker and very well-spoken. The important issues to me are Iraq, healthcare, the world economy, our economy, housing and definitely the ecological issue of global warming."

Jensen hasn't been involved in campaigning, but has kept informed.

"I've been reading about the candidates, watching debates and having discussions with friends," Jensen said.

She said her views differ from some of her family and friends.

"I have a Republican brother," Jensen said. "Most of my friends are for Obama, and some are for Hilary."

Jensen said she was glad to be part of the caucus.

"Seeing the public process in action - it's very exciting," Jensen said. "It brings together a sense of community. I see some of my neighbors here."

Others were disappointed with the turn-out.

"I am really disappointed with how many people showed up," said Eric Lantto, who supports Obama. "People should participate out of a sense of patriotic duty."

He said the theater location was not convenient.

"It could have been more convenient for the handicapped and the elderly," Lantto said. "The tables were right at the front, so people could barely get through the door. Some people left out of confusion or frustration. This is why a lot of people don't participate."

He arrived at Sparks High at 10:30 a.m. and immediately noticed that people were confused about their correct precinct number and where to go.

"It was just today that I started helping because I felt intrigued to do so," Lantto said. "It makes me feel more empowered. The caucus opened my eyes to how I could help. I plan to help by spreading the word on MySpace, email and by word of mouth - to tell people, 'don't get discouraged.' "

"Once it started, it was a beautiful thing," Lantto added.

He said he supports Obama because he has fresh ideas and represents real change, not someone who's part of a political "dynasty," in a sense, like Clinton.

"The issue that's important to me is our country's standing globally," Lantto said. "We are no longer considered a super power. I want to see integrity again in the White House and I want America to be considered the greatest country again. Obama brings fresh ideas that bring people together."

He thinks Obama would fight injustice in this country and around the world.

"There are bigger things than Iraq - such as the crimes against humanity happening all over the world," Lantto said. "There is genocide going on. We need to be hunting Bin Laden and constantly fighting against al Qaida. We need to be concentrating on Afghanistan and all of the inhumane things that are going on. We shouldn't just go in and blow everything up, but it needs to be a calculated war on the finances of al-Qaida."