In Boone County’s Super Tuesday primary, the majority of votes — 62 percent — were cast for Democrats.
Republicans were divided over their candidates’ distinct characteristics in a way Democrats were not, said David Valentine, a research associate professor at MU’s Institute of Public Policy, Truman School of Public Affairs.
Republicans made up about 38 percent of total voters in the primary.
George W. Bush was able to unite social conservatives, economic conservatives and those concerned about national defense, Valentine said. This time, each of these positions had a specific Republican candidate associated with it.
The Green Party of Boone County was not as active in the 2008 primary election as it has been in the past, Valentine said. The Libertarian party is highly active but has few members.
David Webber, an associate professor of political science at MU, said Boone County has historically been Democratic, but because of diverse opinions on the issues, races are becoming more competitive.
“Few people seem to remember that George Bush carried it in 2004,” Webber said.
Columbia residents have donated more money to Democrats than to Republicans in the 2008 presidential election campaigns, according to The Center for Responsive Politics in Washington.
As of March 3, Barack Obama had received $11,811 from Columbia residents, and Ron Paul had received $6,250.
Columbia residents have given $4,600 to John McCain; $3,350 to Hillary Clinton; and $1,000 to Mike Huckabee.