Christmas In August

FOR IT IS TIME
Polls open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Forecast: A summer sizzler, High 96, Low 75
Full Coverage on KY3 News & ky3.com

Something will be lost once this day is done. After tonight, when the dust settles and the winners are decided, the partisan lines in the sand will be drawn even thicker. The two major parties will retreat to their corners and unite against the opposition. From here on out, it will be quite predictable. That's what makes primaries so special, and for me, the most fascinating races to cover. They are intra-party feuds. True tests of loyalties. Measurements of intestinal fortitude and courage. Primaries takes the temperature of the pulse of the party, and sometimes can re-direct its message and vision. Primaries are simply more interesting than general elections, because they make people think harder and pause before they choose. And for independents, there's even that choice of which ballot. Checking a box, and simply picking your party is the easy way out. Primaries pit family and friends against each other. It's like picking between children, and how nice you should be to the step-kids (red-headed included.) It can be hard and uncomfortable. But I'd make the case that because it's a tougher call for many, primaries force smarter, more thoughtful voting. It also makes for more exciting campaign drama. (Can someone make the case that McCain-Obama is more interesting than Hillary-Obama or even McCain-Huckabee-Romney?) So enjoy this day while it lasts. It's a special one we should cherish. Because before too long, it will back to the old lines in the sand. Republican vs. Democrat. Conservative vs. Liberal. Sure, the general will have its moments. But it'll be hard to live up to the tense inner-intrigue of a primary.

5 THINGS KENNY HULSHOF IS COUNTING ON TODAY

1. Average/moderate turnout.

2. That Columbia Democrats who are used to crossing over to vote for him for Congress don't abandon him for a Democratic ballot this time.

3. A 3-to-2 (or better) advantage over Steelman in St. Louis County.

4. That all that smooth-talking rhetoric does matter.

5. A wash or better in Southwest Missouri.

5 THINGS SARAH STEELMAN IS COUNTING ON TODAY

1. Big turnout, especially in Southwest Missouri, totaling upwards of 550,000 or 600,000 statewide.

2. Dissatisfaction with the Republican establishment and Washington.

3. Angst over ethanol.

4. Independents pulling G.O.P. ballots.

5. Not getting blown out in St. Louis and St. Charles counties, and a higher than expected turnout in Kansas City.

COVERAGE NOTE: I'll be in Columbia tonight covering the Hulshof campaign election watch party. My colleague, KY3 Anchor Marie Saavedra, will cover the Steelman campaign from Jefferson City.

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