Tennessee primary vote means more than ever

As Steve Kirby waves a pair of Hillary Clinton political signs near the Hardees on Tazewell Pike, it's become crunch time for supporters trying to spread their word just before Super Tuesday.

"The delegates--just got to have the delegates tomorrow, just absolutely got to have them," Kirby said.

This year, Tennesseans' vote seems to mean more than ever.

"Super Tuesday tomorrow--the push is on, and they've been really receptive," a Barack Obama supporter said in between calling potential voters from a phone bank on campus. "I've been pleasantly surprised with the turnout."

Tennessee bumped its primary date up this year, from March to February 5th. Many political experts say that's giving voters in East Tennesee more of a say than they're used to having when it comes to national politics.

"We are part of the final decision process, and it looks like we will play a fairly large role in deciding who the nominees are," said Dr. Anthony Nownes.

After 15 years as a political science professor at the University of Tennessee, Anthony Nownes says hot Knox County politics are playing a role. However, he believes the pair of presidential primaries, full of fresh faces, is also creating a buzz.

In a tight race like this one has been so far on both sides of the poltiical aisle, each delegate counts.

"Usually the later they are, the less they matter, because the contests are decided quite early," Nownes said. "This is somewhat unusual. It hasn't been this close for both parties in quite some time."

That value isn't lost on supporters, no matter whose political flag they're waving.

"Let's just say I'll be at my precinct tomorrow," Kirby said. "Bright and early."