Campaigns & Elections' Politics - February 2008 - (Page 44) Reds&Blues States in the Spotlight Rep. Nancy E. Boyda Kansas Primary: Feb. 5 (Dems), Feb. 9 (GOP) Delegates: 80 (41 Dem, 39 GOP) Kansas Republicans haven’t held a primary in eight years, thanks to the state’s perennial budget crunch. In both 2000 and 2004, the state’s primary was cancelled after the legislature cut funding—something state lawmakers did again last year. But Kansans won’t be left out this time thanks to the state parties, which are picking up the tab for the state’s presidential caucuses. Democrats did the same thing four years ago, but this will be the GOP’s first time footing the bill themselves. “[Republicans here] haven’t had a caucus in 20 years, and it’s been eight years without a primary, so the interest is sky high,” says Corrie Kangas, political director for the Kansas Republican Party. “It’s also a great opportunity for us to get more Republicans involved in the process.” With Republicans hoping to knock out two freshmen Democratic members of Congress come November—including Rep. Nancy Boyda, shown above—both parties are using this year’s caucuses as a party-building tool. If the national Republican contest is still at a stalemate after Feb. 5, Kansas’ 36 delegates may prove key. —Shane D’Aprile Primary: Feb. 9 Delegates: 115 (68 Dem, 47 GOP) Louisiana’s presidential primary could be critical for both sides—that is, if anyone here ends up paying much attention. Bayou State politicos are focused intently on state politics in the wake of Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal’s inauguration last month. Jindal is expected to hold two special sessions of the legislature in coming months, and a special election to fill his congressional seat looms. That race is shaping up to be a free-for-all among Republicans, since there are more than half a dozen candidates running in the March primary and the general election will be held two months afterward. “We just had our election season here in the fall, and I think people are just tired of talking about politics right now,” says Robert Hogan, a political science professor at Louisiana State University. But if residents do tune in to the presidential primary, expect to see higher-than-usual turnout on the Republican side—which could help the party identify likely voters and turn them out for the general election. Says Hogan: “This last round of elections in the state was very good to Republicans, and the perception is that this state is turning redder, which could very well play itself out in presidential politics this year.” —S.D. Lousiana Maine Caucus: Feb. 2 (GOP), Feb. 10 (Dem) Delegates: 55 (21 GOP, 34 Dem) Democrats in Maine say even if the presidential nominations are wrapped up before the state’s Democratic caucus Feb. 10, the already heightened interest will be a boon for state Democrats. “It looks like we are close to having a caucus in every one of the state’s 500 municipalities, which is huge,” says Arden Manning, executive director of Maine’s Democratic Party. It’s a level of interest the state’s caucus has never before seen, and he says it gives the party a leg up on Republicans going into a contested U.S. Senate race this year. “We’re identifying new Democrats in lots of smaller municipalities, and those votes will be critical in November.” Democrats are hoping to oust twoterm incumbent Sen. Susan Collins. While Republicans in Maine stand a better chance of influencing the nominating Sen. Susan Collins process because of their slightly earlier caucus date, Arden says Democrats are pleased with their spot in the presidential pecking order. “We didn’t think caucusing on the weekend of the Super Bowl was that smart.” —S.D. 44 Politics February 2008 Getty Images
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