Posted Thursday, May 10, 2012 --- 8:55 a.m.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- The heated political climate in Wisconsin is expected to translate to large crowds at the state party conventions.

Republicans hold their convention in Green Bay this weekend. And party spokesman Ben Sparks says that based on the number of RSVPs organizers have received, attendance should top last year when the GOP had the largest turnout for a state convention in 40 years. About 1,300 people attended the Republican convention in Wisconsin Dells in 2011.

Democrats are expecting a big draw for their convention June 8th and 9th in Appleton. Party spokesman Graeme Zielinski tells the Green Bay Press-Gazette (http://gbpg.net/K5ioxs ) the historic recall race, the upcoming presidential election and an open Senate seat will likely mean a crowded Democratic state convention.

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Information from: Green Bay Press-Gazette, http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com

Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.