of Cubans, retirees, and service workers has resulted in a much more diversified demographic. The 2000 election was filled with a month of legal wrangling that resulted in Bush winning the electoral votes. In 2004, Bush defeated John Kerry by 5 percentage points.
How Obama can win: Grab a major share of the large numbers of independent voters living along the heavily populated I-4 Corridor running east to west through Orlando. Visit large urban counties in central and southern Florida to win over receptive residents as well as turn out African American voters. Offer superior solutions to address Florida’s deeply troubled economy — especially the depressed real estate sector.
Toss up
Georgia
Poll hours: 7AM- 7PM
# of electoral votes: 15
2004 election results: Voted for George W. Bush
2000 election results: Voted for George W. Bush
Senate seats open: 1 Republican
House seats open: 6 Democrat; 7 Republican
Swing state: No. Has sided with Southern Democrats when on the presidential ticket, voting for Jimmy Carter in 1976 and 1980, and Bill Clinton in 1992.
How Obama can win: Get more whites to vote Democrat while maximizing black participation. Also target young, college-educated whites who are indifferent to candidate’s race. Focus on economic problems and voter dissatisfaction during Bush’s presidency. Sell the planks of the Democratic Party platform as more conservative than most whites perceived them. Identify and mobilize voters likely to vote for him.
Red state
Hawaii
Poll hours: 7AM — 6PM
# of electoral votes: 4
2004 election results: Voted for John Kerry
2000 election results: Voted for Al. Gore
Senate seats open:Â 0
House seats open: 2 Democrat
Swing state: No
Blue state
Idaho
Poll hours: 8AM – 8PM
# of electoral votes: 4
2004 election results: Voted for George W. Bush
2000 election results: Voted for George W. Bush
Senate seats open: 1 Republican
House seats open: 2 Republican
Swing state: No. Historically voted Republican
Red state
Illinois
Poll hours: 6AM – 7PM
# of electoral votes: 21
2004 election results: Voted for John Kerry
2000 election results: Voted for Al Gore
Senate seats open: 1 Democrat
House seats open: 11 Democrat; 8 Republican
Swing state: No
Provisional ballot status: http://www.elections.il.gov/VotingInformation/ProvBallotSearch.aspx Blue state
Indiana
Poll hours: 6AM – 6PM
# of electoral votes: 11
2004 election results: Voted for George W. Bush
2000 election results: Voted for George W. Bush
Senate seats open: 0
House seats open: 5 Democrat; 4 Republican
Swing state: Yes, but it’s historically voted Republican in presidential elections
Voter registration lookup: http://www.indianavoters.com/PublicSite/Public/FT1/PublicLookupMain.aspx?Link=Registration
How Obama can win: Capture this red state by registering new voters, especially young people and African Americans–two low turnout groups that polls suggest support Obama. Since unemployment in the state is the highest it’s been since 1992, connect with working-class voters and concentrate on the economy and well-paying jobs.
Leaning red state
Iowa
Poll hours: 7AM – 9PM
# of electoral Votes: 7
2004 election results: Voted for George W. Bush
2000 election results: Voted for Al Gore
Senate seats open: 1 Democrat
House seats open: 5 Democrat; 4 Republican
Swing state: Yes. The closeness of the general election vote, as well as the importance of its caucuses, which kick off the nominating process every election cycle, give the electorate great influence in electing the president.
How Obama can win: Work closely with Hillary Clinton supporters and gain their backing.