In The News

By RANDY ROSS
Barbara Clingan was shocked to learn she would get two tickets to the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama after writing to U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert.

The Gilmer resident was more surprised when travel prices to Washington, D.C., skyrocketed from affordable to out-of-reach. Clingan chose to relinquish her tickets, which she would have picked up at Gohmert's congressional office at the U.S. Capitol, and instead is hosting an inaugural luncheon at her home. Clingan and her visitors will be among thousands of East Texans who plan to watch the inauguration from afar.

"I'm one of those who cried at the time of the election," Clingan said.

After deciding not to travel to the nation's capital, she posted her party information to the Presidential Inaugural Committee's Web site, www.pic2009.org. She said a few people have registered to attend, and she anticipates more people might attend without registering. Clingan said she hoped to meet other people who are excited about the new president.

Two inauguration celebrations in Longview have been scheduled for tonight. The Texas Democratic Women of Gregg County have planned a catered dinner at 6 p.m. after their meeting at the Longview Community Center, and Gregg County for Obama is holding a celebration of its own at The Summit Club beginning at 7.

"We worked very hard last year to get Barack Obama elected as president," said Vick Verma, a co-organizer with Gregg County for Obama. "It's going to be a great event."

Although they might not be attending the celebrations, people of all ages will be watching the inauguration.

Scott Mann, a Pine Tree Middle School social studies teacher, said he and other social studies teachers have been discussing the importance of the inauguration. He plans to have inauguration news coverage on the television in his room for most of the day, and he plans to direct students to watch whenever important events occur.

"I'm sure none of them have seen anything like it," Mann said.

The Whispering Pines Lodge has planned a viewing party for its residents. Mineola Johnson, 103, who voted for Obama, said she did not think she would live to see the day a black person would be elected president.

"I hope our new president gets in there and changes things around," Johnson said.