local expert analyst box

John Jackson-Provost and former political science instructor

Turnout is the key to winning for all of the candidates. Typically in primaries, the lower-middle class, the working class and minorities do not turn out in large numbers. Candidates need to mobilize their precinct leaders who can get their workers to get people to the polling place. The deeply committed people will make a difference at this point. Price probably will win the Congressional race.

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Mike Lawrence-Associate Director of the Public Policy Institute

I think it’s very, very difficult to predict primary elections. The reason is, you don’t know how many people will turnout, you don’t know who will turn out and you have a relatively light turnout. My sense is that Bill Price has done a good job on organization. You see more of his campaign signs in yards as you travel around. His opponent does have some support from several groups that traditionally get involved in the Republican elections. Typically they (Christian Coalition) turn out in good numbers for primaries. Most of the people I’ve talked to think that Bill Price is ahead in that race.

Ami Lilley-College Democrats president

I think there is going to be a really low turnout. It will come down to which candidates get their supporters out and vote. Students are a great resource for candidates. They need to tap into this resource. Tapping into the college resource is a way to increase voter turnout. [Price] has the edge because of name recognition.

Erik Woehrman-College Republicans president

The primary being on St. Patrick’s Day is not a bad thing. The primaries are to attract the hardcore of each party. Price and Kohlmeier are attracting the same kind of voters. It really comes down to if you’ve met the candidate, you’ll vote for the candidate. This race is almost a popularity contest. Price may be leading in polls, but if you don’t question polls you’re in dangerous territory. Polls really don’t mean anything. It’s dead even right now.