Super Tuesday is just another day for local Republicans.

While news organizations across the country are heralding the first Tuesday in February – when 23 states host presidential caucuses and primaries – GOP supporters in Douglas County are eyeing another date on the calendar.

Kansas’ Republican caucus is scheduled for Feb. 9, and Craig Campbell, chairman of the Douglas County Republican Party, said the focus is on local races that will culminate in November.

“I think a lot of what the turnout will indicate is the interest and excitement that, across the board, Republicans are having,” Campbell said. “I think it will work more for the local candidates that are running.”

It’s a relative certainty, he said, that Kansas will be won by the Republican presidential candidate, and with seats up for grabs in the state Legislature and local offices, as well, Campbell thinks local Republicans are better served getting to know candidates who are about the enter the fray.

“We’re going to try and get a lot of the known candidates, and the state and local people out there, so they have an opportunity to have a little table or a booth, so people can sign up and be involved,” he said.

Campbell said Republicans want to wrest back the positions of district attorney, county clerk, treasurer and registrar of deeds, and the 10th state House seat, held by Rep. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City.

Jesse Vaughn, president of Kansas University’s College Republicans, said Republicans also are concentrating on reclaiming U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda’s 2nd Congressional District seat. Former U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun and State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins, both Republicans, are expected to challenge Boyda, a Democrat.

But it’s not a strategy Democrats are embracing. Mike Gaughan, executive director of the Kansas Democratic Party, said Republicans were trying to divert attention from a bland field of candidates.

Campbell said only registered Republicans will be able to caucus Feb. 9 at South Junior High School, 2734 La. Unlike the Democratic caucus, voters must be registered by Jan. 25. He suggested caucusgoers bring proof of registration to the caucus.