Caucus on despite exit of Romney

Don’t worry.

The Kansas Republican caucuses will go on as planned Saturday, even though one contender ended his campaign Thursday.

But how the exit from the race of former Gov. Mitt Romney, of Massachusetts, will affect turnout and the results in Kansas was unclear Thursday, party and campaign leaders said.

Douglas County Republican Chairman Craig Campbell said a Romney staffer sent him an e-mail Wednesday night indicating Romney had an interest in maybe attending the caucus in Lawrence. Then, on Thursday, Campbell saw Romney’s announcement about suspending his campaign.

John McCain’s Kansas supporters said it pointed to another big victory to add to the Arizona senator’s momentum.

“I cannot imagine that Sen. McCain will not sweep all 36 delegates (at stake Saturday) from Kansas,” said Steve Cloud, co-chairman for McCain’s Kansas campaign.

But one of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee’s Kansas supporters said the campaign’s grassroots efforts should not be overlooked.

“Now with Romney stepping aside, that conservative base will rally around Gov. Huckabee,” said Matthew Pennell, Kansas coordinator for Huck’s Army.

One Kansas Republican leader said the state is still competitive although Romney’s exit might affect turnout.

“If anything, the real interesting story that’s going to come out is: Where do Romney’s supporters go?” said Christian Morgan, executive director of the Kansas GOP.

Morgan said he still expected 20,000 to 30,000 participants, but it could be a few thousand fewer now without Romney.

Kansas Republicans will caucus at 10 a.m. Saturday at sites across the state, including Lawrence at South Junior High School, 2734 La.

McCain’s supporters said he would make a stop at the Wichita airport today, and Huckabee plans to tour the state with stops in Olathe, Wichita, Topeka and Garden City.

Texas Congressman Ron Paul will have Barry Goldwater Jr. stumping on his behalf today in the Kansas City area and Wichita, said Mark Rinke, a Paul campaign volunteer.

At the Lawrence site, doors open at 9:30 a.m., and participants must to be in line by 10 a.m. Organizers encourage voters to bring a photo ID.