In a room of blue and red, some DeKalb County Republicans munched on elephant-shaped cookies as they discussed U.S. Senate candidate Alan Keyes’ loss to Barack Obama.

“I’m not surprised,” said State Sen. Brad Burzynski, R-35th District. “We kind of knew all along that Obama was going to win.”

It seemed clear that Illinois had chosen Obama before Keyes even got here, said Frank Bredeson, a Democratic DeKalb resident.

Keyes was brought in from Maryland to run for the Illinois seat for U.S. Senate. Bredeson said the Republicans must have been in terrible shape to bring in someone from another state.

Many Republicans approved of Keyes and were disappointed to see him lose.

“I strongly supported him because I believe in his policies,” said Mary Simons, DeKalb County Republicans chairwoman. “I think he would have made a fine senator.”

Others thought Keyes was more genuine than Democratic candidate Obama.

“I feel like Keyes is a lot deeper thinker,” said John Westberg, a precinct committee member. “I’m sad he lost because I have so much respect for Keyes. He is a man of principle.”

Some felt Obama failed to reach out to the Republican party and try to understand their views.

“Obama is a little too liberal for me. He’s got quite a personality and has been accepted very well,” said County Board member Roger Steimel, R-3. “I support Alan and his moral positions.”

Obama has had an extremely liberal record, Burzynski said.

“I hope he has the tendency to be more moderate in the U.S. Senate than he has been in the Illinois Senate,” he said.

Even though Republicans were disappointed Keyes didn’t win, some still wished Obama the best.

“I hope Mr. Obama carries through with his promises to serve all people – not just a chosen few,” Simons said. “He says we are going to be one America, and I hope he inspires his party to do that.”