One of former Vermont Governor Howard Dean’s visions for the Democratic Party was an aggressive push into “red state” America. <\/p>\n
He spent millions of dollars rebuilding the Democratic infrastructure in states like North Dakota and Montana. <\/p>\n
The gambit looked like a loser until Democrats stormed back into power in Congress, after fielding solid, well-funded candidates in districts where they had been marginalized.<\/p>\n
So how about this year’s presidential race?<\/p>\n
Some pundits — including NPR’s political guru Ken Rudin — say no. <\/p>\n
“But here we are,” Rudin writes, “with 48 days to go, and the presidential election is once again focused on a very familiar list of states, just about the same from four years ago. The magic number of 270 electoral votes will be culled from these states.”<\/p>\n
I actually think the political map is a lot more flexible than it was in 2000 or 2004.<\/p>\n
Virginia is certainly in play for Democrats, an undeniable shift. <\/p>\n
Obama is also highly competitive in Colorado. An argument can even be made that he’s pushed his way into contention in Indiana and North Carolina.<\/p>\n
McCain, meanwhile, has pushed almost to par in the upper Midwest, making a race of it in states that were solidly Democratic: Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin.<\/p>\n
There’s little doubt that on election night, a lot of attention will be focused once again on Florida and Ohio. <\/p>\n
But unless one or the other candidate breaks open a big lead, the final outcome could easily rest in a new state — like, say, Nevada.<\/p>\n
One final thought: Rudin lists a total of 14 states that could be in play right up to election day.<\/p>\n
That large a playing field will be expensive and will strain even the best-funded campaign. Which means that the fundraising totals for McCain and Obama will play a big role in who becomes the next president.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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