Dems head into primaries with a bumper crop of candidates

ATLANTA (AP) – Democrats across the country are enjoying a bumper crop of candidates. It’s the latest sign of enthusiasm heading into midterm elections that look increasingly hopeful for the opposition party.
    
But the abundance of volunteers also comes with a reality check: The crowded primaries are giving the party’s ideological divide a full public airing and could give party leaders less control over who carries the mantle in November.
    
Democrats express confidence that a glut of crowded primaries won’t damage the party’s overall prospects. But they also acknowledge the lively nomination fights could result in victories for candidates with little experience, scant scrutiny or political views that are out of step with the general electorate.
    
Primary season opens in Texas on Tuesday.