Des Moines Register's Thomas Beaumont: Independents Plan to Caucus with Democrats

[flpoljunkie]

January 2, 2008

Independents plan to caucus with Dems

By THOMAS BEAUMONT

Thousands more Iowa independent voters are expected to turn out for Democrat presidential candidates than Republicans at today’s Iowa caucuses.

Iowa independents are expected to follow the lead set by their national
peers in 2006. Nationwide, independents backed Democrats heavily in the watershed 2006 elections, in part out of a rejection of President Bush and a loud cry for change that has continued into the 2008 campaign, strategists in both parties agree.

Recent polls have shown the percentage of Iowa independents planning to participate in the Democrat caucuses is far higher than those who say they’ll caucus for Republicans. Turnout for the Democrats is projected to be higher than Republicans, perhaps double.

Because the caucuses represent the first hint of the election year’s political mood, the trend among independents is a warning to Republicans about the general election, top national GOP strategists say.

It’s also a sign the Democratic candidates’ common agenda of ending the war in Iraq and easing pocketbook pressure is reaching beyond their base, campaign consultants in both parties say.

more...

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080102/NEWS09/80102061

[babylonsister]

1. Yay! This could really be a blowout! nt