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ST. LOUIS COUNTY The hopes of the three Republicans vying to become the first GOP county executive in nearly a quarter-century may hinge on how bruising the Democratic primary turns out to be, experts said Tuesday after the field was set for the Aug. 5 election.

Political observers and strategists believe the ultimate electability of state Rep. Rick Stream, R-Kirkwood, Green Park Alderman Tony Pousosa and Ellisville City Councilman Matt Pirrello could rest on the damage inflicted in the Democratic primary by County Councilman Steve Stenger and incumbent Charlie Dooley, who have already begun sparring.

Ideally, Republicans say, the winner of the Democratic primary will emerge as a politically battered candidate with a depleted treasury.

When there is a contentious primary on one side, said Republican strategist John Hancock, the side that doesnt have a contentious primary wins.

The short turnaround between the primary and November general election could force a Democrat politically wounded in August to struggle to find his footing in the fall campaign, Hancock added.

Pointing to controversies in the Dooley administration, including an FBI investigation into a police board appointee, and unhappiness in Stengers district over a senior housing complex, state Republican chairman Ed Martin contends both would be vulnerable even without a primary.

The demographics are always tough in St. Louis County, but I think this is a really good opportunity, Martin said.

A Republican last occupied the office of county executive in 1991.

Republicans acknowledge that the numbers in a county that delivered solid majorities to Barack Obama in both 2008 and 2012 favor the Democratic county executive nominee in the November general election.

Moreover, notes Jane Dueker, a Stenger supporter and former chief of staff to Missouri Gov. Bob Holden, what the Republicans forget is that they have their own primary.

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Republicans hope Dooley-Stenger showdown will pay a GOP dividend