This post was written by Hatchet reporter Matt Rist.

The College Republican’s presidential election watch party is in full swing at the Grand Ballroom with a crowd of around 65 students.

There is food, a mechanical bull and a screen projecting Fox News in the room.

Despite predicted wins in West Virginia, Kentucky and South Carolina, the tone of the CRs is markedly reserved. There is a notable absence of the raucous cheering and chanting coming from the CDs watch party room down the hall in the Continental Ballroom.

“While I’m hopeful, I’ve prepared myself for any outcome,” said senior Cielo Villa.

Villa jokingly added that she has a house in Mexico and is prepared to move back to her home country if Sen. Barack Obama beats Sen. John McCain.