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 Separate Democratic caucuses elected Clinton and Obama delegates April 5, but that wasn't the local news. Of interest to Arlington residents is that Sean Conroy, a 2007 Arlington High School graduate, flew here from Ireland to try to become a delegate for Barack Obama. He failed, but not for lack of enthusiasm.
Conroy describes caucus downs, ups
Before the Obama caucus at Minuteman High School, Conroy provided
handouts and Webmail to potential supporters that included embedded
photos and text that said:
"I support Senator Obama because I earnestly believe that he will bring about a much-needed positive change. In today’s politics and news headlines, we see a recurring theme of negativity and stagnant progress. Barack Obama will reverse this trend."
Now a freshman at Trinity College in Dublin, Conroy is studying philosophy and political science as well as taking Turkish and Spanish.
"I partake in many activities both in school and out of school, such as running, athletics, debating, politics, and volunteering," he wrote to supporters. "Some of my most cherished memories in the past have undoubtedly encompassed my time here in Ireland and also my four years at Arlington High School."
There, he captained cross-country for two years, served in student government and "campaigned for a myriad of causes" — from the environment to political campaigns, including starting the first AHS Young Democrats club.
 Conroy's political advertisement for himself.
"For the past several years, I have had deep vested interest in politics. Politics are the art of helping others; they are the means by which a democratic people can bring about phenomenal positive change.
"My definition, while glowing, is not said without experience. Through lobbying and campaigning, I have seen firsthand what a group of determined voices can produce. Thus it is my strongest desire to attend the 2008 DNC to experience living history by casting a vote for the next President of the United States on behalf of the Democratic people of the Commonwealth."
Showing his networking savvy, Conroy pitched his candidacy in a recent e-mail to Aimee Coolidge, chair of the Arlington Democratic Town Committee, asking her to back his efforts and those of his friend Barbara Weniger:
"I know that the weekend can be quite a hectic time between family, friends, and other commitments (especially this weekend with the town election). It would be really helpful if you could help to spread the word to any of your close friends/registered Democrats in the 7th District ... even if you are unable to make the caucus and cast a vote. But I can't reiterate enough about how much I would appreciate your help if you could.
When the voting was over, though, those present chose Kim Whittaker of Winchester, after three ballots, and Russell Ashton of Wayland, after six ballots.
Bob Peters of Lexington, who reported these results, wrote: "Both Arlington candidates were competitive throughout and, I believe, both finished second overall."
There were 162 eligible voters at the beginning of the caucus. The final ballot had 131 votes. Peters did not know vote totals for specific candidates.
As for the Clinton delegate caucus, held at Woburn High School, no one was seen flying to the Bay State in from Arkansas.
Marc Butler of Arlington reported about 120 people attended. Elected delegates were Pat Deal of Arlington, Carol Donovan of Woburn, Tom Gosnell of Winchester and Bill Thompson of Marlboro. The alternate is Arthur Antonio Fernandez.
Butler did not have the vote counts.
Delegates elected at both caucuses will attend the Democratic National Convention in Denver this August.
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