“Fascinating numbers, n00b. Don’t you agree?
Where did the 20,000 2008 Democrat primary voters “disappear” to, in an open primary? Hey - lookee there! Cruz got 20,000 more votes in 2016 than Romney in the 2012 primary!”
Now let’s add some context to your numbers. In 2008, by the time of the Wisconsin primary, McCain had virtually clinched the Republican nomination with over 65% of the delegates. Obama and Clinton, again at the time of the Wisconsin Democratic primary, were virtually tied in delegates - 1,267 to 1,184. Since it was an open primary there was no reason to vote for McCain but there was a reason to vote in the Democratic primary. And that’s what republicans did.
What you are seeing in 2008 is republicans crossing over to vote democrat. They stayed home and voted in the republican primary in 2016.
Bottom line is the analysis presented in your post is flawed.
LOL! The Republicans couldn't organize their way out of a wet paper bag.
No sale.