In this era of polarized politics, Democrats are called a whole host of not-so-flattering things. At least lackadaisical won’t be on the list.

The hotly-contested, hugely-important Ohio primary is not until Tuesday and Democratic turnout is already smashing records.

In the 2000 presidential primary campaign, 10,371 absentee ballots were requested. In 2004, there were 9,600 requests.

This year? More than 40,000 - just in Cincinnati and vicinity.

The Ohio primary appears to be no exception in a year marked by sensational Democratic emergy and a somewhat lackluster Republican attitude.

Excluding caucuses, some 22 million Democratic votes have been cast in the primaries to date, compared to 14.1 million for the Republicans.

Hillary Clinton has received more than 10 million votes so far this year - and is not even ahead. Democrats have shattered turnout records in many states.

The GOP nomination being all but sewn up on Super Tuesday (February 5) is a big factor, but it could be a sign of a shifting, uneasy base as well.

GOP turnout has been down since Iowa, when the race was still a free-for-all, suggesting turmoil an in-fighting between factions of the party.

On the flip side, John McCain polls statistically even or ahead of both of the Democratic challengers who aspire to face him in November.

Early and absentee voting among Ohio Democrats is also due in part to aggressive pushes by both Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Some Obama ads end with information about early voting. His Cincinnati HQ makes apparent his efforts to motivate voters to cast ballots early.

Will it be enough for him to overtake Hillary? It will be close. Most polls show Clinton still leading by single-digits in the Buckeye State, while Obama has edged slightly ahead in Texas, which is also likely to see record turnout Tuesday.

How things play out March 4 is anyone’s guess, but looking ahead to November, Democrats have to love passion their candidates have inspired.