Heavy turnout in Texas--

[Blue_Roses]

Posted on Tue, Mar. 04, 2008

Candidates and surrogates barnstorm across Texas


By Anna M. Tinsley and Jay Root
Star-Telegram staff writer


Polling places in North Texas opened this morning to waiting lines of voters at some locations and reports of too-few workers at some Democratic primary locations.

Generally, however, reports are that the election is proceeding smoothly with more voters participating in the Democratic primary than in the Republican election.

Regardless of which primary voters participated in, though, Texas voters may well play a key role in determining whether the fight for the presidential nomination -- in both parties -- continues.

After decades of being a footnote in the presidential primary process, Texans today could help clinch the nomination for Republican John McCain over hopeful Mike Huckabee or give new life to Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, who has lost the past 11 contests in other states to Barack Obama.

Now election officials say that as many as 40 percent of local voters -- and about 26 percent of voters statewide -- may cast ballots in the primary, which could bring long lines and late results. Polling places opened at 7 a.m. and will close at 7 p.m.

"The number of voters participating in the Texas primaries is greater than anything we have seen before," Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson said.

This year's unpredictable election -- which many had said would be over Feb. 5 -- brought the presidential candidates to Texas on an unexpected three-week chase across the state to win over voters. McCain, Clinton and Obama were still trying to woo undecided voters in town-hall meetings and rallies Monday.

Clinton-Obama battle

Much attention Monday focused on the intensifying battle between Obama and Clinton. Both spent millions on last-minute television ads in major media markets.

more...


http://www.star-telegram.com/667/story/509444.html

Here's a list of things going on here in Texas today:

http://www.star-telegram.com/localelections/

[democrattotheend]

1. North Texas is better for Obama, right?

And South Texas is Clinton country?

Either way, the Dem turnout is impressive, no matter who it benefits. Does anyone think Texas could be in play in November? I would tend to doubt it, but it sure would be nice to make Republicans spend money there, even if we can't win it.

[Blue_Roses]

2. it's possible

especially considering the huge Dem turnout for the primary. McCain isn't really one that the fundies like.

As far as north and south Texas, Austin will definitely go Obama, as well as Dallas. Not sure about Houston. The valley will go Hillary probably.

But really, who the hell knows these days:crazy:

[SteppingRazor]

4. Well, obviously, it's tough to really say that definitively...

in the same sense that there are no red states and blue states -- only states with varying shades of purple. But it is true that, thus far, polling has shown that Clinton is expected to do a little better in the south and west, while Obama is expected to do a little better in the north and east, especially the urban centers around DFW and Houston.

[damntexdem]

7. If by North Texas is meant North Central Texas, the 17 counties in the DFW area, ...

the answer is 'yes,' likely good for Obama. The same with the Houston area; and the Austin area.

[snooper2]

8. I would Agree...

East Plano checking in!


GOBAMA!

[mckeown1128]

9. Here is a tasty nugget from Rasmussen

General Election: McCain vs. Clinton Rasmussen (Tues) McCain 47, Clinton 46, Und 7 McCain +1
General Election: McCain vs. Obama Rasmussen (Tues) McCain 47, Obama 44, Und 9 McCain +3

[BringBigDogBack]

14. Yes.

I believe we can put Texas in play.

[Abacus]

18. Worried...

Rasmussen markets have shown a significant shift of Texas odds in Hillary's favor today.

http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/latest_results_from_rasmussen_markets

I figure if anyone is privy to early exit poll data, it's the people with money on the results.

[Blue_Roses]

19. I don't get this...

I voted early and was not offered an exit poll. I came here to DU and asked fellow Texans (there's a thread about it but can't use search now) and none of them were offered an exit poll either.

A few minutes ago, I went to my polling precinct to check caucus time (they moved my precinct..:eyes: and no exit polling being done there either...:wtf:

[LiberalAndProud]

3. Thanks for the news, Blue Roses.

[thewiseguy]

5. African American turnout will be the key today

If that number goes above 25% then Obama will carry Texas.

[Not the Only One]

10. He might anyway

Young Latino voters in TX are preferring Obama like young voters from other groups. A high Latino turnout isn't necessarily bad at all today for Obama, as long as it trends young. He doesn't have to pray for extremely high AA turnout.

[thewiseguy]

16. Young Hispanics..

They broke for Hillary in big numbers in California. So I am not sure if a heavy turnout on their part would benefit Obama.

It would be interesting to see the exit polls. If the African American turnout is more than 25% then thats good news for Obama and us.

[damntexdem]

6. I wonder how late the polls will remain open after 7pm to accommodate those already in line.

That's very important because the caucuses don't begin until 15 minutes after the polls close for the last voters in line. The 7:15 time generally given assumes that the polls close on time.

[Igel]

11. Thanks for pointing that out.

I was expecting to show up at 7, assuming things would get started fairly quickly.

They almost certainly won't start at 7, or quickly.

Since I'll have a small child with me, I'll not show up before 7:15. (How to make an already painful process more difficult.)

[Blue_Roses]

13. I know what you mean

I'll be taking my 8 and 10 year-old daughters:eyes: I'm going to make them bring a book to read.

[madfloridian]

12. Any news source covering this incident that was phoned in to stations?

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/1881

[Blue_Roses]

15. yes, there was a link in the Star-Telegram stating they needed Obama

workers ASAP. They got a lot of replies..I had a crisis with my child at the school or I would have just showed up.

[madfloridian]

17. Thank you.

:hi: