On the heels of Sen. Barack Obama's landslide victory in the presidential race, a re-energized Columbia County Democratic Party hopes to ride the momentum through to the 2010 elections.

"I think we're on the high part of the wave, and we're just going to keep on riding it," county Democratic Party Chairwoman Rosemary Fitzpatrick said during a meeting of the party Monday at the Evans Government Complex.

Though the party failed to produce any candidates this year for local races, it intends to establish candidate and issues committees to contest races in 2010. Specifically mentioned were two seats on the Columbia County Commission -- the at-large chairman and District 1.

Ms. Fitzpatrick said many area Democrats have been shy to admit their political leanings in a Republican stronghold like Columbia County. Mr. Obama's win has changed that.

"The people who were afraid to say they were Democrats will now come out and start getting involved," she said.

During the presidential race, Ms. Fitzpatrick said she registered about 100 new Democrats in Columbia County and more than doubled the size of her party's e-mail list. About 40 people attended Monday's meeting.

Richmond County Democratic Party Chairman Lowell Greenbaum said he had attended Columbia County meetings with as few as four people present.

Last week, Columbia County Republican Party Chairwoman Debbie McCord said she hopes more Democrats step up to run in local elections. Competition breeds increased interest, she said.

"Whenever someone put an Obama sign in their yard, I'd have 10 or 12 people from that neighborhood coming here to buy McCain/Palin signs for their yards," Ms. McCord said. "Nothing gets enthusiasm up like a good race."

Democratic Party goals, Ms. Fitzpatrick said, include putting forward a candidate for every local race, establishing a headquarters and starting Young Democrats and Democratic Women's clubs in time for the 2010 gubernatorial race.

Reach Donnie Fetter at (706) 868-1222, ext. 115, or donnie.fetter@augustachronicle.com.