More Electoral Problems for Dems

Yesterday was primary day in Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina so the Democrats couldn't lose. Turnout for their end was troubling to say the least.

Turnout among Dem voters dropped precipitously in 3 statewide primaries on Tuesday, giving the party more evidence that their voters lack enthusiasm ahead of midterm elections.

In primaries in NC, IN and OH, Dems turned out at far lower rates than they have in previous comparable elections.

Just 663K OH voters cast ballots in the competitive primary between LG Lee Fisher (D) and Sec/State Jennifer Brunner (D). That number is lower than the 872K voters who turned out in '06, when neither Gov. Ted Strickland (D) nor Sen. Sherrod Brown (D) faced serious primary opponents.

Meanwhile, only the Indiana Senate Republican primary was even competitive. Rob Portman and Richard Burr were both odds on favorites and still the Republican turnout was up.

The next electoral test comes on May 18th when John Murtha's old seat comes up in a special election. The Republican has snuck ahead in recent polling and on May 22nd Hawaii's first district will also hold a special election.