Ames' Jan Bauer Among Crowd Watching President Obama's Inauguration

When President Barack Obama takes the oath of office Monday, Jan Bauer the Story County Democrats chair, will be watching in person.

“I knew an invitation would be coming, but I didn't wait for it,” Bauer said adding that she would be going no matter what. She booked a flight and a hotel room shortly after the November election.

“It's going to be a very exciting time and it's an exciting time in this country,” she said.

It will be Bauer's fourth inauguration and the number of Story County residents attending Inaugural events in Washington through Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be in the double digits, Bauer said.

“It's a real special event especially for someone who’s as involved in politics as I am,” Bauer said.

Bauer said she plans to watch Obama's swearing in, in person as she did in 2008. She also attended both of President Bill Clinton's ceremonies.

“You feel an incredible sense of pride and excitement when you see all the people around you who are just as committed,” Bauer said.

Bauer said the same level of excitement surrounds Obama as in 2008, but there will probably be less people.

Everyone works so hard and they are so committed to this president I think the enthusiasm is still there,” she said.

Bauer is hopeful that the gridlock Obama faced during the last four years will lessen.

“They can continue this standoff or get down to work for the country. I am hopeful that we will see a little bit different attitude,” Bauer said.

Beyond the swearing in ceremonies and inaugural balls, Bauer said she and several other Story County democrats will attend Iowa and Story County events to meet with staffers and others who once worked in Story County.

Bauer left for Washington D.C. Friday morning with her family. Other Story County residents who plan to attend include: Tom and Susan Harrington, Deborah Gitchell, Karen Kellogg, Mavis Butler, Ron and Sue Dinsdale, David Grewell and Christine Strohm.

Locally Sen. Herman Quirmbach of Ames has invited Story County residents to an inauguration event from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 26. at the Octagon Center for the Arts.