9:39 p.m. — Gabbard ‘Grateful,’ Not Surprised

Just got done interviewing a very happy Tulsi Gabbard, who said she’s not surprised by her 53 percent to 35 percent lead over Mufi Hannemann after the second printout. Instead, she’s “grateful” to those who worked so hard to help her.

Asked specifically about the importance of early support from outside groups like EMILY’s List, the Sierra Club and VoteVets, Gabbard said their contributions were “tremendous” but said their role has been portrayed as the meddlings of special interests when she considers them grassroots organizations she’s proud to work with.

A beaming Sen. Mike Gabbard, Tulsi’s dad, is making the rounds, shaking hands and pretty much glowing.