Early-vote turnout for primary doubles that of '06

Governor’s race creates high GOP numbers

By MIKE GLENN
HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Feb. 26, 2010, 10:49PM

More than twice as many residents in Harris County went to the polls in the early primaries this year than in 2006, the last time Texans chose their party's nominee for governor.

According to figures released Friday by Harris County Clerk Beverly Kaufman, 84,018 total early votes were in person for the Harris County primaries — compared with 33,362 in 2006.

A total of 50,250 Republicans went to the polls during the early voting period while 33,771 voted for the Democratic candidates.

More Harris County residents from both parties voted on Friday than during any other day this week.

The figures do not reflect the mail-in ballots.

The heavy GOP early-voting turnout may reflect the bruising battle between the incumbent, Gov. Rick Perry, and his lead challenger, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. However, the previously little-known candidate Debra Medina also has waged a spirited campaign to win the hearts of Republican voters.

Primary elections are on Tuesday.

mike.glenn@chron.com

nancy@callnancyfurst.com