Oregon Public Broadcasting

Democrats in Idaho are the only Northwest voters participating in Super Tuesday. Caucusing there starts Tuesday night at seven.

Boise State University political science professor Gary Montcrief says it’s the first time in a long time that Idaho Democrats feel their votes will matter.  But Montcrief says it’s hard to say whether Super Tuesday will revive the minority party’s power.

Gary Montcrief: "There’s no doubt that the Democrats are energized by Obama in particular, but I think probably  by Hillary Clinton as well.  Now, if you translate that to the state legislative level, it's hard to say whether that’s gonna help them or not.  Historically in a Presidential election year, Democrats don’t do as well in a state legislature.  But I think they feel they have a much better chance at this point to hold their own or pick up a few seats."

Idaho Democrats will caucus by county, instead of legislative district or precinct.  That has organizers concerned at the prospect of huge crowds, especially at the Ada County caucus in Boise.

Republicans in Idaho will vote in a Presidential primary in May.