Voter turnout projected to rise
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Voter turnout projected to rise

Date: September 30, 2010
By: Scott Kanowsky
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: 
Negative campaigning, popular discontent, and health care have political scientists thinking Missouri's mid-term voter turnout will rise. Scott Kanowsky has more from Jefferson City.
RunTime:  0:51
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Two Missouri-based political scientists predict voter turnout for November's mid-term elections will rise to as much as 56 percent statewide.

That's 6 percent higher than the 2006 results, when 50 percent of Missourians went to the polls.

University of Missouri political science professor Peverill Squire says this election's "not going to sneak up on anyone."

Actuality:  SQUIRE.WAV
Run Time:  00:15
Description: "Both parties think there's a great deal at stake and certainly the Republicans are highly energized at this point. The question really in terms of turnout is whether the Democrats will be able to, over the last couple of weeks, also generate much enthusiasm among their supporters."

Brian Calfano at Missouri State University says anger against the Obama administration will fuel increased turnout.

He says he also expects this election's harsh campaign ads to cause more to vote.

From the State Capitol, I'm Scott Kanowsky, NewsRadio 1120 KMOX.

Intro: 
Harsh, negative campaigning and a vocal Tea Party movement have political scientists saying more Missourians will the hit the polls this November. Scott Kanowsky has more from Jefferson City.
RunTime:  0:42
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Missouri State University political science professor Brian Calfano says he knows the effects of negative campaigning.

It will get more people to vote.

Actuality:  CALFAN2.WAV
Run Time:  00:06
Description: "The conundrum is is that everyone says they hate a negative ad but then, you know they'll watch them, right, and they'll remember them."
 
And in a mid-term campaign season rife by attack ads, Calfano says he expects as much as 6 percent more Misourians to vote this November.
 
That's compared to the 50 percent who voted in the 2006 mid-terms.
 
University of Missouri Professor Peverill Squire agrees.
 
Actuality:  SQUIRE2.WAV
Run Time:  00:02
Description: "I don't think it will do anything to dampen turnout."

Both agreed new Tea Party conservatives angered by the Obama administration will increase these numbers as well.

From the state Capitol, I'm Scott Kanowsky, NewsRadio 1120 KMOX.