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The state Democratic Party's ongoing caucus saga might be the least of its problems.

Now, it has Republicans feeling confident.

"They (the Democrats) had to spend a lot of money to run this caucus," said Adam Feldman, executive director of the New Mexico Republican Party. "We didn't have to do that. We, financially, will have somewhat of an edge going into November."

The Democrats have spent an estimated $250,000 to operate their own presidential nominating caucus in February — far ahead of the scheduled state primary in June — in an attempt to make more of an impact in choosing the party's eventual nominee.

Besides paying for the caucus, the party also had to organize and manage it — a notion that proved difficult when party leaders appeared to underestimate the massive turnout of 157,000 voters. As of Wednesday, the party was still counting provisional ballots and was unable to declare a winner more than a week after the caucus.

Its self-imposed deadline to certify the election is Friday.

The Republicans, in contrast, will vote during the state-run primary June 3.

While the Republican Party's presidential nominee will already have been decided by then — Arizona Sen. John McCain has it nearly sewn up — it also hasn't had to spend the time organizing a statewide election.

The Republicans contend they aren't concerned about a lack of interest among the electorate — the June primary will have its own share of big-ticket excitement.

Both Democratic and Republican voters in the state that day will pick their nominees for open seats in all three of the state's Congressional districts.

Just as interesting is the battle between U.S. Reps. Heather Wilson of Albuquerque and Steve Pearce of Hobbs to be the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Pete Domenici.

Republicans believe the primary tickets are compelling enough to even outpace the Democratic caucus turnout.

"We're wholly anticipating there will be a tremendous amount of excitement for the Republican primary and that it could far outweigh what it was for the Democratic caucus," said Scott Darnell, communications director of the state Republican Party.

Darnell and Feldman said that by not having to manage a caucus, the party also could recruit a new breed of candidates and fight against Legislative causes such as Gov. Bill Richardson's efforts to give domestic partners the same rights as married couples.

"Operationally, being able to engage our base in issues going on in the Legislature, that's been beneficial to us," Darnell said.

Brian Colón, chairman of the state Democratic Party, doesn't believe they've given any advantage to Republicans.

On the contrary, he said the widespread turnout last week means Democratic voters are more energized heading into the November general election.

In total, about 157,000 people participated in the caucus, he said, whether it was at polls or via absentee or provisional ballots. That's 54 percent higher than the party's 2004 caucus, he said.

"We've got two phenomenal (presidential) candidates everybody got excited about. We think that energy and excitement will carry us into the general election," Colón said. "Sometimes it's not about fund-raising. Sometimes it's about grass-roots efforts and getting people excited."

Meanwhile, the state Republicans believe they, too, will feel the excitement of a presidential campaign in coming months.

Feldman said the party hasn't had any recent communication with McCain's campaign. But he expects it to have an operation in New Mexico "sooner rather than later" to take advantage of the undecided Democratic caucus.

"Obviously, (former Arkansas) Gov. Huckabee's still running, but I don't think it will be too long before McCain is organized with a team on the ground," Feldman said. "That's one of the benefits of having a nominee wrapped up sooner."