John McCain's options narrow on the electoral college map

[struggle4progress]

The economy and Obama's spending power force the Republican to concentrate on a few must-win states
By Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
8:59 PM PDT, October 6, 2008

OMAHA -- ... Obama .. has expanded the competition to several states that Republicans usually count on, including Virginia, Colorado, Nevada, Indiana and North Carolina. Obama even hopes to pick off an electoral vote here in Nebraska, a Republican stronghold that allows its five electoral votes to be split, awarding three of them by congressional district.

"It's always tough for Democrats," Steve Achelpohl, the Nebraska party chairman, conceded. "But given the general unhappiness with the state of the country, he's got a decent chance. So why not try?"

Obama is targeting Omaha and its surrounding area, an urban patchwork in this mostly rural state, which has a growing young population and a number of black and Latino residents. The Illinois senator already has a running start, having advertised for months as a way to reach voters just across the river in Iowa.

Republicans scoff at the attempt. In 50 years of presidential elections, Nebraska is second only to Utah in support for the GOP ticket. (The state has voted 61.1% Republican to Utah's 61.6%, according to the Almanac of American Politics.) All six statewide offices are held by Republicans, the GOP controls the unicameral Legislature, and all five members of Congress are Republican. The state has not sent a Democrat to the House in 16 years ...

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-map7-2008oct07,0,4690941.story