Marc Ambinder:

Republicans predict low Iowa caucus turnout despite large field; estimates range from 75,000 to 95,000 -- at least 30,000 lower than estimated turnout for Democrats, who have a much more complex caucus procedure.

With the Democratic turnout estimated to be at least 125,000 in five weeks -- and potentially significantly higher -- while GOP turnout could be as low as 75,000, we could see the largest difference between the two parties' turnout in the Iowa caucuses in a contested primary race in recent memory. Via Mark Blumenthal, the estimated turnout over the last few decades looks like this:

From these numbers, it appears that the greatest disparity between the two parties' turnout in the Iowa caucuses occurred back in 2000, when the Republicans turned out a bit more than 25,000 more voters than the Democrats -- or specifically 43 percent more voters. The current estimates seem to potentially blow this record away, with the Democrats predicted to turnout at least 30,000 more voters than the Republicans, and possibly 67 percent more voters (or more).

I'd caution that folks probably should not assume from these projections -- even if they prove true -- that the Democrats, as a result, are sure to carry Iowa. After all, George W. Bush didn't carry Iowa in 2000 even though Republicans turned out at a greater proportion in the caucuses in the state than did the Democrats. That said, I'd probably rather be on the side that is turning out its core supporters than the side that's having difficulty doing so.