By David McGrath Schwartz

Published Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008 | 7:31 p.m.

Updated Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008 | 8:41 p.m.

Washoe County Republican Party Victory Center at a casino hotel. McCain is on the air, and the crowd had to hush the piano player. You could hear a pin drop, until McCain calls for everyone to work together, there are scattered boos.

"You're a better man than he," muttered one woman.

Big applause line when McCain thanks running mate Gov. Sarah Palin.

"I call on all Americans, not despair in difficiulties, we never quit, never, surrender," McCain says.

There's applause, at the end, some people give him a standing ovation.

. . .

7:31 p.m.

Polls close and doors are open to the Washoe County Republican Victory Party at the Eldorado Hotel and Casino.

Tables are much less than half full -- maybe the faithful are voting, maybe they're working the phones and are on the way. Many in the crowd seem to be avoiding looking at the bad news on Fox News.

Unless things pick up dramatically, it looks like depressing times for the GOP. The best hope for this crowd? Watch Rep. Dean Heller's race. If he loses to Jill Derby, hide the steak knives.