AUGUSTA -- The Iowa caucus seems a distant memory.

The New Hampshire primary, while exciting and close to home, is over.

Finally, for the politically active in Maine, your time has come.

The Maine political caucus season begins this weekend, with Republicans heading to meetings across the state.

"I can't get off the phone with national, international, local press, people with questions and the campaigns," said Julie O'Brien, executive director of the Maine Republican Party.

The Republican process will be followed Feb. 10 by Democrats and some Green Independent meetings.

On Saturday, Feb. 2, Kennebec County Republicans from 24 towns will meet at Farrington School in Augusta, where they will hear speeches from various campaigns -- Sen. Susan Collins may make an appearance -- and then they will break off into separate rooms by city or town.

Five Kennebec County towns have chosen to hold separate Republican meetings, with Hallowell, Mount Vernon, Pittston, Rome and Waterville each going it alone, said Bob Nutting of Oakland, county chairman.

Turnout is a toss-up, he said.

"Usually, caucuses are quite small, but this time we don't have a clue what to expect," he said.

O'Brien said even though a few places across the state will caucus Friday or Sunday, the majority of caucuses will be held Saturday.

At each caucus, after conducting party business, Republicans will fill out a ballot to indicate their presidential preference. Saturday night they plan to announce the statewide results of their straw poll.

"I'm not sure people truly understand this is just a straw poll," Nutting said. "But it is their only chance. In a couple of weeks, most of these candidates may be history."

Democrats, who will meet eight days later, conduct their caucuses differently. After listening to speeches, caucus-goers will be asked to walk to an area of the room where like-minded folks are gathering.

If their candidate has enough support, they stay put.

If not, other groups try to convince them why they should leave their first choice for another candidate. Delegates to the state convention are chosen based on a formula set by the party.

Democrats are hoping for a big turnout, but the timing of their caucus might hurt their chances.

Four years ago, Democrats turned out in record numbers to caucus, drawing 18,000 people, said Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Arden Manning. He expects just as many this time around, if not more.

"A lot of turnout may depend on what happens on (Feb.) 5th," Manning said.

That's because more than 20 states will vote on Tuesday, Feb. 5, which is five days before the Maine Democratic caucuses. Dubbed "tsunami Tuesday," the major polling day will potentially pose problems for both of Maine's major parties.

While Republicans will be voting before Feb. 5, they also face the danger of being ignored as the candidates race around the country getting ready for the big primary day. One exception could be Texas U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, who may visit the state at some point during the week, O'Brien said.

Democrats will caucus the Sunday after Super Tuesday, which may mean a nominee has already essentially been selected.

Irene Belanger of China, who's been an active Democrat since the 1970s, is hoping for a good turnout at the caucus.

"How could people not be responding this year because of all of the candidates who are still running," she said.

On the Republican side, Linda Hadley-Rood of Augusta said she thought she'd hear more at work and in other places about the presidential race.

"I haven't seen the excitement I expected to see," she said.

And while some say caucuses depress turnout because they are held only for a few hours on one day, Democrats are allowing members to vote absentee so even those who can't attend can participate.

The ballots are available on the party Web site and must be returned by Feb. 6.

In Winslow, Democratic caucus convener Scott Austin said he thinks turnout might be a little lower this year than in 2004.

"Four years ago, people had a real enthusiasm that we could nominate a candidate to defeat Bush," he said.

A John Edwards supporter, Austin said it may well be down to Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama by the time Democrats meet in Maine. But he's hoping people will attend the caucus.

"It's an easy process," he said. "It's a good way to get to know your neighbors."

Green independents also plan to host some caucuses on Feb. 10, although towns in Kennebec County likely will meet later, said Ruth Gabey of West Gardiner.

Eileen Goddard, a board member for the Maine Green Independent Party, said they will hold caucuses in every county.

"We would like to think we're going to have an excellent turnout," she said. "A lot of our Greens are far-flung throughout the state."

While Goddard knows most people probably aren't familiar with the Green Party presidential nominees, she believes their presence in the race is an important part of the democratic process.

"It brings up different issues that aren't being spoken about by the other two parties," she said. "I think that's what we need."

Susan Cover -- 623-1056

scover@centralmaine.com