Could There Be a 20% Increase In GOP Turnout?

The Patriot Room ^ | November 2, 2008 | Bill Dupray

[Bill Dupray]

It's anecdotal, to be sure, but last time I checked, the Obama Brown Shirts haven't resorted to duck-taping Republican voters to their refrigerators . . . yet. From Jim Geraghty at The Campaign Spot.

While Texas will go solidly McCain as it did for Bush, I thought this was interesting. I live in Lubbock, TX a city of about 200,000 that went about 75-25% for Bush in 2004. In 2004 about 58,500 early voted in the county (total county pop is somewhat higher than city's 200,000), this year early voting was about 69,500. That's almost a 19% increase, and you can bet it's largely McCain support. No glum McCain supporters (as the AP reports) or apathy, or giving up, here.

Second, the Campaign Spot Hilton Head Bureau Chief (a.k.a., "Dad") is resigning in the near future to become the new president of the Hilton Head Republican Club. He mentioned an interesting anecdote to me recently. South Carolina in general, and the Low Country/Beaufort County portion of the state, are some of the most deep red sections of the country as you're going to find; in a year when traditionally Republican states Indiana, North Carolina, and Virginia has wavered, no one has contemplated any Obama movement in the Palmetto State.

More . . .

[kabar]

Using Bureau of the Census figures, comparing the breakdown by race/ethnicity in the city of Lubbock, the population in 2000 was 199,564 with 72.9% white, 8.7% black, and 27.5 Hispanic. In 2006, the population was 210,178 with 76.2 white, 7.6% black, and 29% Hispanic. So, the white population has increased and the black population has decreased during that period.

In 2006 the county of Lubbock was 254,862 with 77.2% white. In 2004 Lubbock County went 70,135 for Bush and 22,472 for Kerry or 75.3% to 24.1%. Do you really believe that Obama can appreciably change that result in his favor?

[IOWAfan]

unfortunately they don’t need to get them out to vote, just follow up when they get their Absentee ballot and make sure they send it in.

all very sad.

and I also think the uptick in % is due to more ppl voting early - ok color me glass half empty.

Posting a “Proud member of the NRA” sticker on my door.

[NoLibZone]

It will interesting to see if Republican turnout is higher than usual in California.

Because it will be due to prop 8.

If so we need to pair a traditional family values issues with every presidential election going forward.

[DRey]

"Posting a “Proud member of the NRA” sticker on my door." I joined the NRA in October. I don't even own a gun - never have.

I just don't think the numbers are Dems voting. This is the first time in my life I've been asked by friends: Have you voted yet? Please go vote.

I voted in October and so did everyone else I know -- Republican. It's been a phenomenon. Crazy.

McCain is pulling 302 EVs on Tuesday night.