Assuming Barack Obama becomes the Democratic Party's nominee for President, theres one state that could change the results of the election thats not being talked about: no, its not Ohio, Michigan, Florida, or Pennsylvania. It's Nebraska.
Senator Obama won the Cornhusker state by a whopping 68% to 32% over Senator Clinton on February 9, proving that he can and does win the support of white voters.
In a poll released on February 29 by SurveyUSA, it showed McCain holding a slim 45-42 lead over Senator Obama in Nebraska. The same poll also indicated that Obama is leading McCain in 2 of Nebraska's 3 congressional districts.
Why is this important? Not only does Obama have a chance of defeating McCain in a very red state, and 5 Electoral Votes may make the difference this year, but also...2 Electoral Votes might make the difference this year.
Nebraska allocates its electors by the Congressional District Method, where the winner of each congressional district is awarded one electoral vote, and the winner of the entire state is awarded two electoral votes.
Under this scenario, McCain wins three of Nebraska's EVs and Obama wins two.
Lets game out our scenario now over at http://www.270towin.com/
Obama carries: (268 EVs)
Washington
Oregon
Hawaii
California
Colorado
Minnesota
Iowa
Illinois
Wisconsin
Michigan
Maine
New Hampshire
Vermont
Rhode Island
Massachusetts
Connecticut
New York
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Delaware
Maryland
and the District of Columbia
McCain carries: (265 EVs)
Alaska
Montana
Idaho
Nevada
Arizona
Utah
New Mexico
Wyoming
North Dakota
South Dakota
Kansas
Oklahoma
Texas
Louisiana
Arkansas
Missouri
Kentucky
Indiana
Ohio
West Virginia
Virginia
Tennessee
North Carolina
South Carolina
Georgia
Mississippi
Alabama
Florida
All this leaves lucky Nebraska, whose 5 Electoral Votes would decide the election in this scenario. If Obama were to hold on to his slim leads in those 2 congressional districts in Nebraska, he would get to the lucky number 270 and be our next President. If he won one of those CDs, it would go to the House of Representatives for an unprecedented constitutionally-mandated decision. If McCain turns it around and pulls ahead in all 3 CDs, he would win the election with 270 EVs.
I realize my scenario also assumes Obama wins Colorado, and McCain wins Florida and Ohio, but at this point, this scenario seems to be just as likely as any other floating around out there.
I guess my point is, Obama: fight for every vote, every district..... ESPCIALLY in Nebraska!
Signed,
An ardent supporter