Local and regional Republican Party officials say they aren't worried by the amount of home-state coverage Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and the Democratic Party are receiving of late and instead say Republicans are well-positioned for success in Southern Illinois this fall.

With the Republican National Convention set to open in Minneapolis on Tuesday, critics can point toward President George W. Bush's low approval ratings (29 percent in the most recent USA/Today Gallup poll) as a sign of a potential drag.

But Republicans say they have political ammo of their own.

Looking to the political gridlock in Springfield, where the Democratic Party holds the state's legislative leadership positions and its executive branch offices, Illinois Republicans see opportunity and say worries about the party's national profile hurting them in local races are off base.

Deb Detmers, Republican Central Committeeman for the 12th congressional district, which stretches from the Metro East to Cairo, said any perceived failings of the party at the national level will not hinder Republican chances in Southern Illinois.

"They are each individual campaigns with their own plan, and despite what's happened at the national level, you've got a plan and work your plan," she said. "Some have said Southern Illinois is going to be a disaster for Republicans. It's not going to be a disaster. John McCain is going to run strong here."

Detmers said local races, like those for county board and countywide positions rely less on national politics and more on the unique issues and character of a community.

This sentiment will be put to the test this fall in races like those between State Rep. Mike Bost, whose grip on the 115th District is being challenged by another Murphysboro resident, Democrat Cheryl Graff. In the 59th State Senate District, Republican challenger Ken Burzynski is looking to defeat fellow Benton resident, Democratic incumbent Gary Forby.

Detmers said that outside Jackson County and away from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, the values of Southern Illinois voters are more conservative and thus lean toward the Republican Party.

Mike Lawrence, Director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at SIUC, said the national political climate and the ideals held up as part of a national party's platform do not necessarily shape local elections.

"This is the Bible belt of Illinois," he said. "Democratic candidates in our region have tended to be social conservatives, and the differences between the parties at the national level have not seemed to hurt the chances of candidates locally."

The Republican Party platform would trend to views of Southern Illinoisans outside Jackson County," Lawrence added. "But conservative democrats have done very well in this part of the state - a more liberal national platform has not damaged their prospects here."

Bruce Wallace, chair of the Republican Party in Jackson County said he's seeing positive signs at the local level.

"I am extremely happy; we've got a lot of reactivation of the party faithful, and I am getting a lot of e-mails," he said. "What I've experienced is a real surge in volunteerism especially in young people."

Wallace said he expects competitive local races and, despite the prevailing view that Obama is destined to carry Illinois, he's not conceding Illinois.

"Personally, my feeling is that he doesn't have much juice south of I-80," he said. "I think the southern part of the state is going to be McCain."

Shirley Booker, who chairs the Democratic Party in Jackson County said there is no doubt democrats have failed in Springfield, but she doesn't see that affecting local races.

"I know there are problems in Springfield, and hopefully they'll get worked out. But the fact is, we have problems with the economy and with health care across the country," she said. "The problems on the national level will upstage anything on the local level. There is such displeasure with this administration I am confident people will vote democratic this fall."

It's no surprise Detmers said she's expecting the opposite.

"I am optimistic, and I am not generally an optimistic person," she said.

blackwell.thomas@thesouthern.com

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