local expert analyst box

John Jackson, provost and former political science instructor

The standard pattern for the last few weeks up to the primary is for candidates to launch a lot of negative campaigning. Didrickson and Fitzgerald already have been doing that for some time. I think Didrickson is going to pull off the win here.

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Mike Lawrence, associate director of the Public Policy Institute

Didrickson’s positions on issues are more in line with those held by most Republican voters. She has the support of the governor and Secretary of State Ryan, who know what it takes to win the general election. I think Loleta would be a stronger general election candidate, but right now it’s a toss-up as to who will win.

Ami Lilley, president of College Democrats

I think you’re going to see a big push in advertising with a lot of new polls and numbers being thrown out. This is really the 11th hour. It’s do or die time. I think Fitzgerald probably will win, even though Didrickson has the greater name recognition.

Erik Woehrmann, president of College Republicans

I would attribute the narrowing of the gap in the polls to the growing awareness of the average primary voter who is now becoming interested in the election the closer it gets to March 17. In other words, the interest of the undecided voters is growing. Fitzgerald’s ad campaign is starting to pay off. We’re going to see more of the feel-good ads and more of the attack ads on both sides.