Oregon Public Broadcasting

Washington State Republicans and Democrats are both expecting record turnout at precinct caucuses this Saturday.

After Super Tuesday’s election results, you’ve no doubt heard the phrase, “It’s all about the delegates.”  Correspondent Tom Banse reports on how this next cache of convention delegates will be awarded.

For Democrats, this Saturday’s caucuses are where the action is.  The subsequent presidential primary on the 19th is just a beauty contest for them.

Eighty Democratic delegates will be divided between the candidates in proportion to how many supporters they turn out.

University of Washington political scientist Matt Barretto perceives momentum for Barack Obama.

Matt Barretto: “Some of the polls as well as some of the exit polls show some of the late deciders -- the people who decided just in the last couple of days -- were breaking for Obama. That could be an indicator he may do well here in Washington State.”

Washington Republicans will allocate 18 delegates through the caucuses this Saturday. An additional 19 will be awarded based on the presidential primary.

Washington’s Republican chairman expects his party’s top candidates to come ahead of the primary on February 19th.

Find your WA caucus location

Democrats: Washington State Democratic Central Committee

Republicans: Washington State Republican Party