"Study: Primary Voter Turnout Hits a Low"

[GreenPartyVoter]

WASHINGTON (AP) - A record low primary turnout and voter disgust for politics could spell trouble for Republicans trying to keep control of the House and Senate.

Only 15 percent of eligible voters cast primary ballots this year, breaking the 19 percent low record from the last two midterm elections, according to an American University study. But frustrations with President Bush, the Iraq war and a congressional scandal involving lurid messages could increase turnout in the November elections - and the voters most mobilized won't be Republicans.

"If the election were held tomorrow, the Republicans would be extraordinarily in trouble," said Curtis Gans, director of American University's Center for Study of the American Electorate. "It makes independents and Democrats much more likely to vote Democratic. It may make some Republicans sufficiently unhappy to stay home."

GOP leaders have a month to recover from recent revelations that former Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., sent inappropriate and sexually explicit messages to former pages. He resigned and sparked a spate of speculation, sniping and scapegoating.

http://apnews1.iwon.com/article/20061006/D8KJ80U00.html


Too bad the lack of exit polls and the existance of election rigging is still a problem. I think once again the people will vote one way and the results will point another.

[grizmaster]

1. We had near record high turnout in RI

guess it depends on where you are in the country

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. Yep, I guess it does.

[PATRICK]

3. Phone banking

The reluctant GOP. besides the quickly defecting GOP voter one normally gets only the hangup- whatever that means. Hangups certainly don't want to mildly assert their vote IF it was for the GOP. Independents and Dems especially are breaking our way or looking closely and positively- and the GOP guy can't compete positively.

Anger in this case I think is a sign of defeat and resentment. The reluctant GOP voter won't be merely silent for exit polls. They likely won't even be there this time.

Oh yes, the feel of victory is so different from hand-wringing hope. I'd hate to be a volunteer on the other side. After a while the atmosphere communicates itself to everyone you contact.