There's a palatable energy among the Democratic Party this year, a force the faithful say is a sign that positive change is coming to Washington as well as Watertown.

The talk Saturday at a fundraiser for Jefferson County Democrats was often about a dream partnership among the party's top candidates: Darrel J. Aubertine, Michael P. Oot and Addie J. Russell.

"We've got a real opportunity to make some real changes," said Mr. Aubertine, who represents the county in the state Senate. "I really am excited. With Mike, Addie and I — and certainly with Obama and the Democratic ticket — things are looking up."

Both Mr. Oot, who is challenging Rep. John M. McHugh for a congressional seat, and Mrs. Russell, who is running for the vacant 118th Assembly District seat, said they've felt inspired hearing their party's presidential candidate, Barack Obama, entering the fall campaign.

"I think Obama represents a bright future for Americans," said Mr. Oot, a Madison County attorney. "He understands what's needed in America, and what's needed is a fresh approach, a new economy and a way to bring back the American dream."

Despite no previous government experience, Mr. Oot said he felt compelled to run for Congress because he could "no longer sit back and watch the erosion of democratic principles — and fundamental liberties — in our society."

Mr. Oot said his party best understands that "as a nation, we've lost track of our middle class."

"I think the most fundamental thing that a Democratic administration and Congress could bring to the nation is health care," he said. "It could be such a positive thing for American families to have universal health care, but I think it would be a positive thing for our economy as well. You won't have employers struggling to entice employees to come work for them by offering them plans they simply can't afford."

For Mrs. Russell, a Jefferson County legislator, addressing issues like health care puts the focus back where it should have been all along: on the needs of working families.

She's also passionate about improving the district in ways that would make businesses more competitive on a global level.

"That's going to take an investment in roads, bridges, in our ports and waterways," said Mrs. Russell, an advocate for building a four-lane highway to link the north country with New England. "That's certainly something I hope to work with Mike on."

Mr. Oot said in conversations with voters that the war and the economy are often inextricably linked.

"Not only are we losing lives, but we are bankrupting the nation with this war," he said. "You can't think about the economy without thinking about the damage this war is going to do to us in the long term."

His aim this fall has been to correct "a misconception that the fortunes of Fort Drum rise and fall on the fortunes of John McHugh, who has seniority on that (House Armed Services) committee."

Mr. Oot added: "No one's going to abandon the 10th Mountain. They stand on their own two feet. They get what they merit out of Congress because they merit a lot."

Changing that mind-set will prove to be no small feat. Mr. McHugh, R-Pierrepont Manor, is well liked in the district, receiving more than 63 percent of the vote in his seventh re-election bid in 2006.

Mrs. Russell and Mr. Aubertine also have Republican opposition this season. Robert W. "Bobby" Cantwell III, Clayton, is seeking the Assembly post, and David A. Renzi, Watertown, is a candidate for the Senate seat.