Most of the big-name Republicans were in place by 10 p.m. at the Republican Victory Night Party at the Radisson Hotel Lansing, including Michigan Republican Party Chairwoman Betsy DeVos, U.S. Reps. Candice Miller and Mike Rogers, both from Michigan, and MSU President M. Peter McPherson.

The mood inside was festive with hundreds sipping on beer and wine, many donning "W Still the President" stickers and interviewing with members of the local press. "Bush-Cheney '04" posters adorned the walls.

Regardless of the outcome, DeVos said she is proud of the statewide party effort to re-elect President Bush. The last voters made it through the lines at Michigan voting precincts, but numbers still showed no clear winner.

"The fact that Michigan is still in play defies all the pundits," DeVos said. "I'm very excited that on Election Day, Michigan was still too close to put either way."

At the Renaissance Ballroom in the Marriott Hotel in Detroit, more supporters trickled in to the Michigan Democratic Coordinated Campaign election party hoping to see Sen. John Kerry declared the winner.

Crowds around the television screens got larger and chattering picked up as the night progressed.

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., talked with Michigan residents and expressed her hope that Kerry wins.

"I hope its clear and decisive. I hope for the country," Stabenow said.

But some in the restless crowd said that decision might be uncertain.

"I'm hopeful, but it depends on whether the election is straight or not," Detroit resident Prestine Massey said. "If effort is any indication, then he'll win by a landslide."

Massey is part of the Detroit chapter of the American Federation of Teachers, which opposes Bush for his handling of the No Child Left Behind Act.

Check back throughout the evening as The State News reports from the election night parties.