Linn County Women for McCain-Palin christened the new county Republican headquarters during their lunchtime meeting Thursday. The group hosted Deanna Smith, state chair of Oregon Women for McCain-Palin.

Smith complimented the space, located on the first floor of Montgomery Place, 321 First St. S.E. in downtown Albany.

The unit boasts plenty of windows for natural light as well as access from the sidewalk, she noted.

“When I walked into the office, I was stunned,” she said.

Smith joked she would trade out her office in Salem for a post at the recently completed building.

Amid the cardboard cutouts of Ronald Reagan and Abe Lincoln, about 30 women gathered to discuss strategy for getting their ticket into the White House.

Smith encouraged all present to hold viewing parties for the debates and to be sure to invite their Independent and Democrat friends.

Another group member suggested calling friends in other states and encouraging them to vote McCain. Still another recommended praying for the candidate.

The Linn County Democrats currently have headquarters at Chair Loyd Henion’s house in Albany.

Henion said the party doesn’t have the funds to rent a space and is looking for an arrangement similar to the Republicans. Years ago, space within the Flinn Block was donated to the them, he added.