Few voters are as interested in the gubernatorial campaign as these delegates are, but their straw poll on the race can either add some energy to, or deflate, a candidate's campaign.
Party leaders project a low turnout even among the most fervent party loyalists.
Among some 2100 Republican delegates statewide, between 700 and 800 are expected. Quist's gubernatorial candidacy ascended three years ago despite criticism over his more conservative political, social, and religious ideologies. Quist came under heated fire when he stated a belief that men are genetically predisposed to assuming leadership in families. The delegates at the 1994 state party nominating convention loved him. Mainstream Republicans hated his message and turned out in droves to vote for Arne Carlson in the primary.