This post was written by Hatchet reporters Sophia Shin and Lauren French.

A roar of applause broke out over Madison Hotel’s Montpelier Room as CNN called Pennsylvania and New York for Sen. Barack Obama.

This win for Obama increased his projected electoral count over McCain and elicited many cheers from the event’s 200-plus attendees.

“He’s won,” said Bob Malson, a local Democrat. “Once we knew he’d win PA, we knew he would win.”

Malson is one of many Democrats at the Madison that plan to participate in election party-hopping well into the night. Local Democrats are here to show their support not only for Obama, but also for local congressional and District candidates.

“We are here because all the city council people will be here celebrating,” said Chamber of Commerce President Barbara Lang.

Prominent Democrats such as D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) are expected to speak later this evening.