Turnout and Voting Machines

OK, it's funny that the Iowa GOP straw poll had voting machine problems. But the key point is, I think, the low turnout. Here's what the NYT said:

Still, the poll drew significantly fewer people than the 23,685 who voted in the last Iowa Straw Poll in 1999. And the mood here, inside the hall and on the grounds, often seemed subdued, reflecting the decidedly different outlook of Republicans today compared with that of eight years ago, when the party was hungry to replace Bill Clinton in the White House. Two hours before voting ended, the campus was largely deserted as workers folded tables and cars streamed out of the parking lot.

Actual turnout was 14,302 paid. That's quite a bit lower than 23,685 . . . and the population hasn't declined precipitously since 1999, either. My anecdotal sense is the same as the NYT's. I watched the end of the straw poll on the teevee. I had two thoughts: (1) It's impossible to imagine a cult of personality for Sam Brownback. And (2) that hall seemed largely empty. Now, again, I don't know why anyone would stick around to hear a Brownback speech, but not many folks did. Except for the fanatical Brownbackers. (And they should have used a smaller hall, if they were going to get a smaller crowd--that looks better on teevee.)

Now, part of the turnout problem was the lack of "frontrunners" participating. But those frontrunners don't really seem to be spurring much enthusiasm, either. At least not in Iowa.

Now, in the end, I don't think that this will matter in November 2008. The GOP will be able to mobilize its base voters, at least, when they can contrast with the Democratic nominee. But right now, the GOP just isn't very excited about its candidates.