Record turnout in Mississippi, Alabama GOP primaries

below, from the Republican National Committee……

Good morning, Republican voters turned out in full force in Alabama and Mississippi last night, well above 2008 GOP numbers, showing yet again that the party is energized to replace President Obama. There is no doubt we will have a battle-tested nominee who will be ready to take on this president who has an enthusiasm problem, is struggling in the polls, and his much-talked-about ground game appears it isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Alabama

2008 – 552,209

2012 – 614,940 w/ 98.4% reporting *new record turnout

Mississippi

2008 – 143,286

2012 – 283,315 w/99.3% reporting *new record turnout

Hawaii *no record to compare

Obama Enthusiasm Problem

WaPo: “A review of the states that have also held Democratic contests this year shows turnout is down sharply from the last time a Democratic president was running largely unopposed for renomination — 1996. … The numbers paint a picture that might lead some to ask whether Democrats are also facing an enthusiasm gap.” (Aaron Blake, “Obama may have a turnout problem, too,” Washington Post, 3/13/2012)

Ground Game All It’s Cracked Up To Be?

WaPo: “President Obama’s campaign has long emphasized its ground game as a potential difference-maker in the 2012 election. And his campaign has been active in some early states trying to fire up the base, despite the lack of a contested primary.” (Aaron Blake, “Obama may have a turnout problem, too,” Washington Post, 3/13/2012)

Struggling In The Polls

NYT: “Despite improving job growth and an extended Republican primary fight dividing his would-be opponents, President Obama is heading into the general election season on treacherous political ground, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll. At a time of rising gas prices, heightened talk of war with Iran and setbacks in Afghanistan, Mr. Obama’s approval rating dropped substantially in recent weeks, the poll found, with 41 percent of respondents expressing approval of the job he is doing and 47 percent saying they disapprove — a dangerous position for any incumbent seeking re-election.” (Jim Rutenburg, “Obama’s Rating Falls As Poll Reflects Volatility,” New York Times, 3/13/2012)