And this is coming from politico.com, a 'source' I steer clear of, but couldn't resist this one.
GOP ranks no match for Democrats' legions
By: Jonathan Martin
Oct 10, 2007 03:40 PM EST
The David vs. Goliath staffing mismatch is yet another sign of trouble for Republicans in general election.
It’s a well-told tale that Republican presidential hopefuls are lagging far behind Democrats in poll performance, money raised and enthusiasm generated at this point in the presidential cycle.
But there is another yawning disparity that some veteran GOP operatives say is cause for concern. The latest source of Republican heartburn: The size and scope of Democratic field organizations in Iowa and New Hampshire dwarf the on-the-ground operations of Republicans.
This David vs. Goliath staffing mismatch is yet another sign of trouble for Republicans in the general election, said a veteran Republican strategist in Iowa, as it reflects sagging spirits among hard-core GOP activists.
“That’s a function of several things — their race is more interesting, their field is perhaps stronger, they have far more resources and, yes, the number of staff and HQs also adds to their turnout,” said the strategist, who requested anonymity to speak frankly about his party. “Plus, Republicans are in a funk, a general bad mood. It’s a harbinger of tough things to come in 2008 for our down-ballot races.
{Democrats} will have more volunteers, more passion.”Representatives for Democratic Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) and Barack Obama (Ill.) are cagey about the precise number of boots on the ground they have in the early states, but it’s widely thought to be at least five times what the Republicans have.
more...
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1007/6291.html