In the move "swing Vote" the Presidential election comes down to one vote. In real life, it could actually happen- but that vote would be in... Maine?
This small matter on NPR caught my attention, although I dismissed it at first. When McCain announced he's leaving Michigan to fight elsewhere, he basically said he's focusing on the three Kerry states that he knows he probably won't win: WIS, MN & PA. They also added something that sounded crazy: Maine. Yes, THAT Maine. The one in New England.
The more I think about it, the more I think that's a serious consideration not to be ignored. Here's why:
Obama currently is in pretty good position for 269 Electoral Votes by holding on to Kerry states except New Hampshire and winning Iowa, New Mexico and Colorado. McCain needs to grab all the others to force a tie. If he can do that, then all he needs is ONE more EV. Just one.
Guess what- there are two states who do not give their EV's winner take all- deep red Nebraska and.... Maine! Maine has a GOP moderate Senator who is up for reelection this year and has a good chance to win. If McCain can pick off that one EV, and get the rest, he wins. This is equivalent to a squeeze play (bunt with a guy on third base) in baseball, but honestly, I think it's as good of a shot as he has right now.
McCain can spend time in New Hampshire which started his run in the primaries and which Obama underperfomed the polls in the primaries. While there, he can wonder into Maine's most conservative district which has been close the last two election cycles.
Granted, this strategy requires him winning VA, FL, OH, NV, IN, NC & MO... which I don't think he will. That said, if something changes between now & the election, he might be in the position to get those states. Jimmy Valvano always said "In order to win, you have to put yourself in the position to win." That's what he's doing and we shouldn't let our guard down. It's a lot harder to pull of a squeeze play when the other side knows it's coming.