Last time we checked in on GOP turnout it was pretty abysmal, and given the numbers released earlier today, it was time to update my handy chart:
Everything below the black line is today's Super Tuesday contest. Tomorrow we'll check back in to see how turnout compared. But the last several contests don't offer much for Republicans to cheer about. Maine held even, despite having a much hotter contest this year. Arizona was done, ominous given its newly minted swingstate status. The state party didn't release Wyoming turnout numbers from 2008, but no matter what, 2,000 caucus goers sucks. And Washington is not an apples-to-apples comparison, since the state shifted from a primary format last cycle, to a caucus this year. But still, they lost 90 percent of their voters?
That leaves Michigan as the lone bright spot for Republicans, but apparently you have to have a native son on the ticket and 8-figure ad buys to get anyone to turn out. Good luck keeping that up, GOPers!
And if we add all the numbers up?
2008 5,460,996
2012 4,605,110
Ouch. And remember, McCain had 2008 sewn up quickly. There was actual drama this year.
I'll update tomorrow.