McCain's ONLY chance of winning is to steal Pennsylvania from the Dems.

[tgnyc]

That's why it should (from his pespective) be Ridge.

He's going to lose Colorado and New Mexico. He's not getting Michigan. No other blue state from the last 2 elections is going to turn his way. It's Penn or bust for him.

[TornadoTN]

1. I agree - Pennsylvania is going to play a major role this cycle

If McCain has anyone with any sense on his side it will be Ridge. They know they are way too close in many key states and Pennsylvania is going to be a battleground this cycle (even Biden admits this).

However, Ridge gives us creedence in the "more of the same" category and Biden will slaughter Ridge during debates and on the stump.

So I would be fine with Ridge due to his inherent weaknessess, just concerned about PA.

[AllentownJake]

3. He last won an election in PA in 1998

Not worried at all.

[Jersey Devil]

5. Biden was born & raised in Scranton PA

It's two home town boys then if it's Ridge. Plus with Ridge being pro choice it may cost McCain dearly in the south in places like NC, etc.

[TornadoTN]

10. Agreed - there's really no good choice for him

Contrast that to our field, where we had many solid candidates that help across the board.

Ridge would hurt him in the south (VA, NC, FL) and bring nothing in other key states except "more of the same". But if the "experts" say it is all about PA, then Ridge would be the natural choice.

[justiceischeap]

2. I'm pretty certain from my time in PA (most of my life)

Ridge would not be helpful. He wasn't well liked (but my memory could be wrong).

[H2O Man]

4. Good point.

Ridge could help him in PA, though he would hurt him in other areas. McCain has no good option.

[AllentownJake]

7. Won't help in PA that much

1998 was his last election.

[Alter Ego]

6. And that's why Obama chose that scrappy guy from Scranton.

[WinkyDink]

8. No way, no how, no Ridge. He is NOT popular here in PA. Trust me.

[endthewar]

9. McCain has been pouring money into PA and is still down by about 7 points

Plus the Obama camp has too many built-in advantages in PA. They will have a money advantage. Rendell and Nutter. What is the McCain camp's response to Hillary and even Bill pounding the pavement on the stump in rural PA?

[JustAnotherGen]

11. I've Decided

After having posted about my fears re: 'Stolen Elections' on other threads and "What can we do???" . . .

To reach out to the County Democrats in NJ to see if they can put me in touch with Democrats in eastern to Central PA.

My response to the OP? I'm going to volunteer to drive Dems to the polls on election day that can't get there. Be they too old, to rural, a single mom without a car, etc. etc. I'll get up early - go vote first thing - then take the 45 minute drive down the road to PA to help out there.

Any other Dems in surrounding states or the Philly or Pittsburgh area that can take the day off and get our people to the polls?

[rug]

12. He has a better chance of carrying Vatican City than Pennsylvania.

[BlooInBloo]

13. Pittsburgh in particular could be very important, as Philly vs The Hicks fight it out.