When political pundits color in the states on the national electoral map Nov. 2, Mississippi in all likelihood will be red for Republican &045;&045; just as it has been for the last few presidential elections.

But if we looked at all of Mississippi, Adams County, while it is by no means the only Democratic stronghold in the state, would be colored in blue.

So what is it like for Republicans to live in a traditionally Democratic county, or for Democrats to cast their ballots in a state whose electoral votes will likely go to the other side?

&uot;We would like to get to a point where we could carry the county,&uot; said Johnny Junkin, a longtime Republican leader in Adams County.

Junkin, who campaigned for Gov. Haley Barbour, knows such support would help when party leaders in the area to ask for help from elected Republican officials.

&uot;It would be nice to say our county voted for you,&uot; he said.

But Junkin has seen the Republican party grow in Adams County in recent years. More local candidates, who traditionally all ran as Democrats, are switching parties or coming out to run as Republicans.

&uot;They’re finding out you can run (as a Republican) and you don’t have smallpox,&uot; Junkin said with a laugh.

Still, the Adams County Republican party will not have a local headquarters for November’s election, which may be not for lack of local support but because Mississippi is a foregone conclusion for the candidates, Junkin said. Because Mississippi is not a &uot;battleground&uot; state, the candidates have not given as much attention to the area.

Several residents &045;&045; even some new people who haven’t called before &045;&045; have requested signs or campaign materials for the Bush/Cheney ticket, Junkin said.

At first it was tough for the local party even to get materials from the national party.

The Democrats, meanwhile, have strong footing in Adams County and have a headquarters for Kerry on John R. Junkin Drive, said party member Katie Ruth Moore.

The party also held a barbecue fund-raiser on Saturday.

Still, Moore wishes Mississippi could have more attention from the candidates. She remembers a time about 15 years ago when presidential candidates visited the riverfront area.

And the fact that despite their efforts, Democrats won’t be able to carry the state is disappointing, Moore said.

&uot;We only have seven electoral votes,&uot; she said. &uot;It gives us no chance; we don’t have a voice in the election.&uot;

Still, the party visits churches and other civic groups and encourages participation in the election, passing out literature on the Democratic candidates, Moore said.

&uot;It is our responsibility,&uot; she said.