Written for Kansan.com on Nov. 9, 2016

The Douglas County Democratic watch party did not end in one monumental moment of disappointment. There wasn’t a moment or announcement or number that deflated everyone in the room. Rather, it was a gradual process: as the crowd filtered out over the course of the night, the boos and cheers died down. By the time the election was called, the remaining dozen democrats just calmly stood up and walked out, every single person looking resigned.

Early in the night, it was a completely different environment. As the analysts of MSNBC called states and discussed how the race would move forward, attendees would either cheer and wave their hands or boo and drink more alcohol.

The staff at Maceli’s Banquet Hall had to bring out more chairs for the huge crowds of people that showed up. Those same chairs were being collected before Donald J. Trump was elected as the 45th President of the United States.

The party included several state legislators who won reelection: Reps. Barbara Ballard and Boog Highberger (D-Lawrence) and Sen. Marci Francisco (D-Lawrence).

As they watched the results come via the MSNBC broadcast, Ballard and Highberger both said they were concerned about the presidential election and were hoping it would turn around in favor of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

Highberger, who was unopposed in the election, said he believed Donald Trump was the wrong choice for the country, but he differentiated himself from the nominee in one way.

“Unlike Mr. Trump, I will accept the results of the election,” he said.

Ballard, who spoke to the Kansan after her win was clear, said it was hard for her to feel happy about it, given the presidential election, which was turning toward Trump at that point.

"As pleased as I am tonight, it is just overshadowed by that because you’ve got to have someone who’s strong, experienced and who you can trust to run the country,” she said. “I am baffled at the fact that we are at the point where we are right now.”

Gina Lauridsen, a Lawrence resident who attended the watch party, spoke to the Kansan while the results were still being determined.

“I’m a little surprised and worried because I didn’t think it would be this close,” she said.

As she walked out the door, Lawrence resident Annette Conrad had some parting thoughts on the night’s results.

“I’m speechless,” she said. “I feel like I’m waking up from a nightmare.”