Election officials predict 35 percent voter turnout for pres. primary

MADISON (AP) -- Wisconsin election officials predict turnout will be about 35 percent or 1.5 million voters in the April 3 presidential primary election.

The 35 percent turnout released Monday by the Government Accountability Board is the same as the turnout in the 2008 primary that saw a hard-fought contest on the Democratic side between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Wisconsin's top elections official Kevin Kennedy says turnout is expected to be similar this year given the contested Republican contest between former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas.

Jon Huntsman and Michele Bachmann will also appear on the ballot, even though they have dropped out of the race.

There are no statewide races for state officials.