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Paul Nelson reportingWill Barack Obama bring out more college students on election day than Hillary Clinton would have? Some political analysts say "yes."

The fight over getting the votes of college students seems to have been lopsided for a long time. Traditionally, the demographic leans toward the Democratic Party. But, since we live in Utah, a conservative state, it wasn't impossible to find a Republican at the University of Utah.

One student told me, "I'm going to vote for John McCain," even though his first choice would have been Ron Paul.

Most students I spoke with, though, are going the other direction.

One man said, "I think I'd probably be safe to say I stand with most students in not supporting the Republican nominee." Others also said they were voting Democratic.

While these students are picking sides, they seem to have a good level of respect for both candidates.

One woman said, "I think both parties chose a really good candidate that will represent them well overall."

Some political scholars say this election may be more friendly than 2004. Students don't seem to have the animosity they had four years ago.

Hinckley Institute of Politics Director Kirk Jowers said, "[They were] passionate George W. Bush haters, but not passionate for John Kerry, the man. For Barack Obama, I find it every day at every speech and every student that comes in, who is a Democrat; there is a lot of passion for Barack Obama."

Jowers says the Democrats have scored big with their nomination. He says Obama brings more college students to the polls than Hillary Clinton would. But, he says a large group of Clinton supporters don't like Obama.

"Up to a quarter of them are saying they will not vote for Obama after this primary," he said.

Plus, there is still tension from Obama supporters for Clinton. Jowers says, if the election were held tomorrow, it might be a mistake for Obama to have Clinton as a running mate.

But, Jowers says Mitt Romney's backers used to feel the same way about John McCain, but the two sides have kissed and made up.

E-mail: pnelson@ksl.com