Kerry faithful converge on Copley Square

11/03/04 John Kerry's campaign returned to the candidates hometown for a party last night celebrating the end of this years presidential election.

Long lines at voting polls in the city did not keep voters from enjoying late night festivities at Copley Square that lasted until early this morning.

Thousands of people stuck around to hear the results of the election, and at around 2:30 a.m. vice presidential candidate John Edwards took center stage and gave his gratitude to supporters.

"It's been a long night but we waited four years for this victory. We can wait one more night," Edwards said. "John and I are so proud of all of you here with us and all of you across the country who stood by this campaign."

Many long-time Kerry supporters had been camping out for days to claim a spot to watch the presidential candidate speak. But with the networks at long last projecting a victory for President Bush, his challenger did not appear.

"I got here a couple days ago from campaigning in New Hampshire," Carolina Forero, who works with America Votes said, "we were trying to encourage Democrats who haven't voted in a while to come out and vote. I just want to hear Kerry speak, and experience it."

The party drew in crowds comparable to those of Boston's recent World Series victory.

Many people brought young children despite the riots that erupted in the Kenmore Area just weeks ago.

"I think all the people are here to share in the excitement," said Chris Welling, a long-time Kerry supporter. "I don't think we're going to see a Red Sox type event, otherwise I wouldn't have brought my nephew."

Welling stayed throughout the night waiting for results.

"It took a long time to get the final results four years ago, I think this time it will be a little quicker," Welling said.

Many spectators did not share Welling's enthusiasm and grew weary standing in the rain.

"I'm a little disappointed that Kerry's supporters left so early and gave up so easily," Josh Leeman said, "I drove all the way down from Maine. I'm a Bush supporter and I'm still here."

As the early morning hours approached, crowds dwindled and some people began to fear why there was no word of a final result.

"I'm really hoping the courts don't have to come into this at all, it makes us look bad, like the bureaucracy runs the country and not the people," Leeman said. "It's a shame there is so much confusion and they can't figure out who is winning each state."

Results did not take as long to calculate as many expected. They were released this afternoon indicating Bush won the election. Kerry decided not to contest President Bush's lead in the state of Ohio, granting Bush another four years in office.

The Presidents victory in Ohio gave him a total of 274 electoral votes, four more than necessary to win. Kerry was not far behind with 252 votes. Popular vote also had Bush winning with 51 percent of the vote.

"As we saw in Florida last time, the last votes do count," Leeman said.