SPRINGFIELD -- The secretary of state’s office predicts just more than 1 million voters will go to the polls on Tuesday for the party primary elections and a few local issues. That may sound like a big number but it would be 31 percent of registered voters, less than the 35-percent voter turnout for the primary elections in 2004, which also featured a governor’s race and other statewide races.

Both top Republican candidates for governor campaigned in Springfield on Monday morning. State Treasurer Sarah Steelman went table to table at a Ziggie's cafe, attempting to persuade undecided voters. A few of the diners said they'd vote for Steelman just because they got to meet her.

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof held a rally with supporters in north Springfield. He said he would be the stronger candidate against presumptive Democratic nominee Jay Nixon this November because he can articulate his vision better to voters.

While Hulshof is looking for establishment Republicans to turn out, Steelman needs a strong showing from independent voters.

“People shouldn't feel like they can't talk about what's on their mind just because the establishment wants to come in and pick who's going to be the next governor. I don't think that's right,” said Steelman.

“It's tough to sharpen a difference and say, ‘I can do a better job against Jay Nixon’ if you’re Sarah Steelman, when you agree with him on so many things,” said Hulshof.

The latest public poll from SurveyUSA shows Hulshof holding a 12-point advantage over Steelman but a good slice of voters remain undecided.

After Springfield, both Steelman and Hulshof headed to the Joplin area for campaign stops. Steelman also planned to campaign in Kansas City and Jefferson City. Hulshof planned stops in St. Louis and Columbia.

Other hot races include the Democratic attorney general's primary, and dueling Republican and Democratic primaries in the 9th Congressional District, now represented by Hulshof.