1.   But other analysts said they expect a much higher independent turnout.

2.   And races that go down to the wire typically generate higher turnout, because of the uncertainty, and heightened competition.

3.   A slightly higher turnout, and especially one heavy with senior citizens, would tend to favor the Democrats, analysts said.

4.   But Democrats downplayed the difference and attributed the higher Republican turnout to the contested GOP presidential race.

5.   But higher turnout could still mean a down-to-the-wire race.

6.   But in a presidential year, there is a higher turnout in New York City and amongst minorities.

7.   Having Kirk and Sanchez on the ballot would trigger a higher turnout of minority voters, who lean heavily Democratic.

8.   He did expect a higher turnout, however.

9.   However, another factor could counter any higher turnout in the battleground regions.