The political scene in Sevier County is changing. Though pinned to lose the presidential bid in the perennially Republican Tennessee, Democrats have shifted some weight on the party seesaw.

The county is seeing an increase in bumper stickers, yard signs, and buttons showing support for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, signaling that Sevier County's acceptance of the Democrat option is growing. As one passerby said outside Staples in Sevierville this weekend, "It's beginning to be OK to be a Democrat in Sevier County now."

Democrat-positive statements are one sign of an upset to the Republican status quo, giving the red county a blue tint for the first time in recent history.

There are a lot of unknowns in this county...you don't have Democrat candidates and that's why it's really a myth that all these people are really Republican in this county. Sevier County Democrats Chairman Scott Whaley

Sevier County Democrats Chairman Scott Whaley said the county may actually be less Republican than previously thought.

"There are a lot of unknowns in this county," Whaley said. "(People) haven't voted Democrat (in previous countywide elections) ... because you don't have Democrat candidates and that's why it's really a myth that all these people are really Republican in this county."

Whaley said voters get labeled Republican because they've always voted Republican since there's only been Republicans to vote for. But that doesn't mean they are loyal to the political party.

"In 2006, that was the first democrat primary ever in this county," he said. "We only had five people run then, so this (year's elections) is ground breaking. This is a really young party."

Whaley, who has been active in the Democrat party in Sevier County for just a few years, got involved while running for commissioner in 2006. He lost his bid by only 10 votes, running as a Democrat, he said.

"So you can win, you just gotta work," Whaley said.

And working hard is what Whaley says his party is doing during the final days of the election, noting that this year's pick is an important one thanks to the addition of a dismal economy to the long list of items voters need to consider when making their choice for president. 

"They're voting for their pocketbook, the economy, the war, and health insurance," Whaley said.  

For more information about the Sevier County Democrats view SevierDomocrats.com, visit the Sevier County Democratic Headquarters at 152 Bruce Street in downtown Sevierville, or call 865-617-8259.