Rain Turns Out for GOP SC Primary, Too

Bland candidates, not weather, may keep voters at home
By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 19, 2008 11:11 AM CST
Rain Turns Out for GOP SC Primary, Too
Republican Presidential hopeful, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, takes the stage to talk to supporters on the eve of the South Carolina Republican Presidential Primary, Friday, Jan. 18, 2008, at The Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort in Hilton Head Island, S.C. At right is joined by S.C. Attorney...   (Associated Press)

Today's forecast for parts of South Carolina calls for up to 3 inches of snow, but analysts say if turnout is low in today’s GOP primary, it’ll be because of the candidates, not the weather. Times have changed: “People would have walked through broken glass in their bare feet to vote (for Ronald Reagan),” one GOP strategist tells The State.

Republican voters are now forced to choose the “least unacceptable” candidate, said Neal Thigpen. He predicts low turnout will benefit Mike Huckabee, while a strong showing will help John McCain. Palmetto State voters can vote in either primary, and analysts are unsure if independents will turn out today or wait for next week’s Democratic contest. (More South Carolina primary stories.)

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