NORWICH – The results from national polls that place Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama out in front of Sen. John McCain appear to be resonating locally as well.

According to Democratic Commissioner Carol Franklin, Democrats have narrowed the gap in the long-standing, Republican-controlled Chenango County. With 8,751 registered, the ratio between Republicans and Democrats is now less than 2 to 1.

Volunteerism at the party’s headquarters in Norwich is also up, said Democratic Party Chairman Patrick McNeil. “It’s the greatest I’ve seen in more than 30 years,” he said. The volunteers are manning headquarters and telephone banks and passing out signs, he said.

Eighty-three new voters registered Democrat over the past week compared to 56 new Republicans. There are 14,521 Republicans registered in total.

Republican Commissioner Harriet Jenkins said her party’s numbers are down slightly and could be a result of people moving out of the area.

Republican Party Chairman Thomas Morrone said his party has also been inundated with volunteers. “I’ve never seen so much enthusiasm for people wanting political signs in the 20 years that I’ve been chairman,” he said.

As for Obama, McNeil said he thought his candidacy would remain very strong. “His willingness to help the middle class is resonating well here, in these times. It’s critical that small and independent companies survive because they actually make corporate America strong. With Obama’s policies, they will be given a break.”