I should probably wait until later this evening to ask this because we never know, there just might be a huge swell in voters in the last few hours.
But, does low turnout mean:
RR couldn’t GOTV?
Cynthia McKinney couldn’t GOTV?
Georgians just don’t care about elections, or at least this one?
I know that this over simplifies what could or could not be the factors for the low number of voters, but I am interested to see what the opinion is on these three points.
BTW: I am not Erick, nor is Erick me.
{ 39 comments }
Many say low turnout means good for Ralph. I’m not convinced of that. The bottom line is that we never can tell what low turnout means until after everything is over, and then all of the Monday morning quarterbacks say, “Yes, I knew low turnout would mean blah blah blah …”
I can tell you this, though … the people that vote for Cynthia McKinney deserve her. More importantly, the people who do not vote against Cynthia McKinney deserve her even more!!!!!
Btw, is anyone who is remotely associated with politics even a little bit surprised that turnout is low? Folks, it’s always low in the Primaries, yet every cycle low turnout is reported like its some sort of political phenomenon.
It can mean anything you want it to. For me, in an off year election turnout in a primary was high compared to my previous experience.
I had to persuade my sister to go and vote today in Walton County. Her comment was that she was just turned off by the negativity of the all the commercials. A political junkie she is not, but she is a regular voter. I was surprised when I talked to her this morning that she was actually NOT going to cast a vote today because of the negativity. I changed her mind so I cannot help but wonder how many average non-political Georgians out there are thinking the same thing.
I’m just a little surprised, due to the inflammatory nature of a couple of the races, and the national recognition of one of the candidates, especially as a Christian Coalition fella here in the Bible belt. However, that’s a good point about primaries always being low.
Why do all the pundits agree that low turnout helps Reed?
If his army of devoted Christians is as large and powerful as he, and they, claim, wouldn’t it stand to reason that they would sweep over the polling booths and consume Georgia in one fell swoop?
Truth is Reed is afraid the voters of Georgia will actually show up at the polls today and vote for the best candidate to lead the state senate — and that candidate is NOT Ralph Reed!
Summer primaries are notoriously low turnout events — probably because it suits the party bosses. But I suspect today’s turnout will surprise many, especially Reed.
Of course, I could be wrong. Debbie and Peach often tell me I am.
Bahama, I agree with you in that I am not convinced low turnout automatically helps Ralph. I do believe, however, that turnout will always be lower than expected, especially in summer Primaries, as you indicated.
Either way, I don’t subscribe to the rationale that says low turnout = good for Ralph.
you are getting pretty soft GAwire and Bahama boy…..I understand….Ralph has shown Georgia that Casey’s “I am not Ralph” stuff is not going to hold water with the folks that have appreciated what he has done for the party….but loyalty is expected to run thin with some folks….
The turnout contradiction–as in, is it low turnout that helps Reed, or is it the largest grassroots turnout ever that does it–was addressed in this post from a couple days ago. I still think it’s a very interesting question.
Thought it was interesting that Ralphie isn’t doing any interviews until after the polls close, according to WSBTV.
loyalty ?
What loyalty? Where is Ralph’s loyalty to his friend and business associate of 20 years, convicted Indian swindler Jack Abramoff? Will Ralph seek a pardon for Jack from his pal, George W?
Now THAT would show loyalty, Bruce.
Morgan, I saw that, too … very interesting
I think if you start to read the reports from the field you will see that Reed may be in real trouble. I know in Cherokee he is in the fight of his life and at one time he was the poster child for those folks. This may end up being a huge blow out of the boy from brazil look alike. I think alot of the evangelicals have seen who the man behind the curtain really is and walked away.
I think the Christian base that Ralph thought he was going to drive out in force are not supporting him at all. I know a lot of Christians, including Pastors, who have said they are supporting Casey Cagle. This includes Dr. Hunt at FBC Woodstock, that’s a lot of votes.
i hope so, conservativecore. the only thing is that it seems like ralph started the day off well and then casey caught up around midday. i hope that doesn’t mean ralph will come back when it counts.
Morgan, i agree that christian voters aren’t all going to Ralph. remember, they are notorious for not turning out to vote. and, if many support casey, then we can be sure ralph doesnt have them all
Late push for Cagle, according to one of my newsroon contacts. How much? We’ll have to see….
How’s THAT for a tease, Bill “Hooters Girls Rock!” Simon?
Low turnout means not many people went to vote
Bus, can you be more specific please?
*newsroom
Jeez…the GOPeach is rubbing off on me…
Bahama Boy —
Loyalty as in Ralph Reed was a major force in getting Sonny Perdue elected.
As for me, I disagree with quite a few on this site about who to vote for, but I’ll close ranks behind all of the GOP candidates after tonight. I’m hoping the same will be true for the rest of you.
This is an unusual election year for Republicans. Do not assume anything about what turnout means upfront.
Reed’s on Kim Peterson’s show on WGST 640AM and wgst.com RIGHT NOW
Reed said “He doesn’t believe in stepping stones.” and he’s “running for Lt. Gov to be Lt. Gov.”
am I live blogging now?
“If you want somebody who will precide over the statis quo and go along to get along, then you want someone else.”
That’s it.
Shep,
I think Ralph is off-message with voters. Every primary poll I have seen this year with one exception has shown Republican very happy with the state’s direction (after all, we’re in charge). 2-1 margin at least in most of the polls.
He’s implicitly criticizing the governor and legislative leadership in an election year. Not the way to rally the troops I think.
Clint
Couldn’t agree with you more Clint.
I think Cagle may be coming up on WGST next. Kim Peterson did not say which candidate they had up next, only they had one.
Yep, that’s pretty much live blogging…see why you need to leave it to the pros? It’s pretty tough, and dangerous…
Yep, that’s pretty much live blogging…see why you need to leave it to the pros? It’s pretty tough, and dangerous… 
and I can’t even comment correctly any more….better call in help from the bullpen!!
Hey, I blogged for the AJC at the the Republican National Convention in 2004. I’m no novice!
Kimmer just had Eric Martin. At least he admitted he would look at running for higher office if he became Sec. of State.
Btw, Kimmer is an idiot and WGST live streaming sucks. Anyways, I did think it was funny him making fun of candidates talking about how LG isn’t a stepping stone office and how they “really want to be Lt. Gov”
he’s good stupid humor.
Clint,
I’m not sure about that. Reed has not been critical at all of Sonny, and only slightly (but never directly) been critical of the Senate. He HAS pointed out ways that he wants to improve things. As far as his “preside over status quo” line, that’s a pretty typical for someone who is not already part of a legislative body.
All is quiet…early returns show a very low turnout. Any thoughts, on anything??
Of course my wife called and asked me how to vote in the friggin’ Democratic race. I told her how the hell would I know that? Then I pulled up the AJC voters guide and gave her a couple of recommendations to get her through it. That’s why the voter turn out is so low. No one gives a damn.
Karen Handel is at 43% with 108,000 votes at 11:18p.m. – don’t people care?
Comments on this entry are closed.