RENTON, Wash. - Illinois Sen. Barack Obama crushed New York Sen. Hillary Clinton in Saturday's Washington state Democratic presidential caucuses, while Arizona Sen. John McCain held a narrow lead over former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee in Republican caucusing.

Obama won easily all across the state, riding the momentum of a massive Seattle rally and a last-minute endorsement from Gov. Chris Gregoire. With 67 percent of precinct delegates, he figures to receive 52 delegates to the Democratic National Convention, while Clinton would get 26, state Democratic chairman Dwight Pelz said.

At about 10:43 p.m., The Associated Press declared John McCain as the winner, however KING 5 News felt it was still too close to call. Washington State Republican Party chairman Luke said he believed that McCain would be the winner.

In the 87 percent of results counted in the Republican caucuses, McCain had 26 percent of delegates, only slightly more than Huckabee's 24 percent, even though McCain came into the contest with a commanding national lead.

Texas Rep. Ron Paul was running a strong third at 21 percent, while Mitt Romney had 17 percent, even though the former Massachusetts governor had suspended his campaign earlier in the week.

"Mike Huckabee is a caucus warrior," Esser said. "He won Kansas and was well-organized in Washington." Esser noted that McCain, who is viewed with suspicion by many conservatives, acknowledges he doesn't do well in caucus states.

The Washington State Democrats estimated turnout may have been more than twice the 100,000 people who caucused in 2004.

After breaking up into precincts at the caucuses, people made an initial vote, then went into debate to try and convince one another to vote for their candidate.

Neighbors then elected delegates among themselves to go to the county convention.

"Without a doubt, it was worth the time.  It was worth the dollars and I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else today," said one Democrat.

KING

Participants fill up the cafeteria at Kentlake High School in Covington, Wash for the Republican Caucus on Saturday, Feb. 9,2008.

The numbers from Saturday are especially important for Democrats because they'll ignore the results of the Feb. 19 primary.

There are also 17 so-called Super Delegates – elected and party officials who will go to the convention unpledged.

KING 5 News polled all 17 and here's where they stand:

-- Sen. Patty Murray, Sen. Maria Cantwell, Rep. Jay Inslee, Rep. Norm Dicks, former House Speaker Tom Foley and King County Executive Ron Sims are endorsing Clinton.

-- Gov. Chris Gregoire, Rep. Adam Smith and Pat Notter of the Democratic National Committee are endorsing Obama.

-- Another eight delegates remain uncommitted, including Rep. Rick Larsen, Brian Baird and Jim McDermott.

Republicans packed Kentlake High School, but there was no clear consensus.

"Its good that people haven't made a solid decision at this point because they need more information," said Sandy Amodt.

The party faithful came from South King County, Kent, Maple Valley, Auburn.

Although John McCain leads by a wide margin, some Republicans are showing an independent streak.

"I would do a write in ballot for Ron Paul," said Steven Allen of Kent, when asked what he would do if McCain wins the nomination.

"I think we secretly hope Romney will come back," said Trevor Bender of Maple Valley.

Mitt Romney dropped out of the race Thursday, telling conservatives that he wanted to give McCain a head start in the national campaign against whoever ends up being the Democratic nominee.

Statewide, 17,000 delegates were picked Saturday.  That will dramatically dwindle to 18 unpledged delegates who go to the national convention.  Another 19 are picked in the February 19 primary.

NWCN

Voters line up outside a packed Catharine Blaine School in Seattle for the Democratic Caucus on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008.

Some voters turned away

The huge caucus turnout combined with the confusion on exactly how they would work has left some voters out in the cold.

Fueled with coffee and motivated by a vibrant campaign, volunteers at the Democrat party headquarters had a hard time keeping up with the calls.

Some callers trying to find out where their caucus was got a busy signal or a message to call again later.  Those who tried instead to get on the Washington state Democrat party Web site ended up empty handed after the site basically crashed due to high volume.

But voters were determined, lining up at one precinct in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood.  They were met with more frustration, learning the precincts had changed.  Many voters were turned away.

"You know, be an American and do my part, and here roadblocks all the way, it seems like it's more trouble than it seem to be worth," said James Moorman.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)