ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The New York delegation breakfast was unlike other state gatherings because party power houses were nowhere to be found.

New York GOP Chair Joe Mondello says he expected turnout would be scarce this year.

"Many of the senators including majority leader Dean Skelos decided they were gonna to stay back and work the districts which I agreed with and thought that was a very good plan," Mondello said.

But it's a stark contrast from the democratic turnout in Denver last week. Some say bringing attention to republicans’ weak standing among New York voters and possibly reflecting poorly on state party leaders.

"I know that some people want to make it that Joe Mondello's not a strong leader. I think that I would give him the benefit of the doubt on this. The republicans are one seat away from losing all their power in the state,” said political analyst Larry Levy.

Voters go to the polls for primaries next Tuesday.

North Country Senator Betty Little, the only state legislator in sight Monday, has no primary challenger, but agrees her conference must focus must on maintaining control of the senate.

"I tell people regardless of what party you are, you should be looking to keep that balance and that upstate representation,” Little said.

But the absence of legislators is not only about the balance of power. Many say it has to do with where their allegiances lie.

"A lot of the republican establishment were Rudy Guiliani delegates and Rudy Guiliani lost and you have a lot of guys, mavericks themselves, who decided to sign up as McCain delegates and they won and they're here," said Levy.

Mavericks like Wayne Baden, who now fill seats usually occupied by elected officials.

"In a normal situation, I wouldn't be here, so I'm very happy it's turned out the way it's turned out," said Baden, a McCain delegate.

But according to party officials, more state leaders will make their way out to Minnesota to show support for the ticket as the week goes on. Levy says in the end, McCain's success is tied closely to their own.

“If John McCain falls on his face, if they don't do everything they can to boost his brand in New York and elsewhere, if the republicans stay home, those guys are going to lose," said Levy.