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Whether Republican or Democrat, politicians in Warren County can agree on at least one issue: Nothing encourages a rousing discussion like a good meal.

At the annual Beef, Chicken and Corn Roast on Aug. 24 at Lebanon High School, hundreds of Warren County Republicans turned out to be served by the county's elected officials.

"It's an enjoyable day to meet with candidates, particularly those running at the local level," said Warren County Republican Party Chairman and Mason Mayor Tom Grossmann. Grossmann said it was a chance to start campaigning for the fall election or even the 2009 spring primary, in which Republican candidates are more likely to meet their stiffest (and often only) challenges — from other candidates within the party. This fall, there are no Democratic candidates for county government offices.

"I really don't notice a difference each year, whether it's a major election or not," Grossmann said.

Four days later, at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Lebanon, a group of 20 Democratic supporters surrounded themselves with wings and drinks as they cheered on Barack Obama's acceptance speech shown on the restaurant's giant television screens. The Warren County Democratic Party set up four of these parties throughout the county.

Deborah Reddish of Maineville attended. She said she is the only person in her neighborhood to have an Obama sign in her yard, but she is proud to display it.

"I think (Obama) has a real shot," Reddish said.

Of the 28,706 Warren County residents who voted as Democrats in the March primaries, 2,353 voted for Obama. Of the 56,075 Republican ballots cast, 30,056 were for McCain.

Both parties plan to pepper Warren County voters with calls from phone banks and door-to-door sweeps to get information about issues and candidates out to as many people as possible.

"Now that it's about two months away, people are starting to take a step forward," said Warren County Commissioner Pat South, who's also a board member of the Warren County Republican Party.

Grossmann said that, historically, Democrats usually win after a Republican has served for two terms.

"But McCain has the ability to win the race. It will be close, but he'll do a good job."

Both parties are hoping for a campaign visit from their candidate, but are unsure whether one will happen.

George W. Bush came to Warren County, making a stop in Lebanon in 2004.

"The Golden Lamb needs a 13th president to visit," South said. "We would love for Sen. McCain to come."

"(An Obama visit) is my dream and it's the dream of a lot of Democrats in the county," said Anne Howard, vice chairman of the Warren County Democratic Party. "Even if he doesn't come here, he'll be in Ohio a lot because the state is so important."

Of the 12 presidents to have visited the Golden Lamb, Martin Van Buren, the eighth president, remains the only Democrat on the roster, according to historian John Zimkus.