Thursday, July 24, 2008

Arizona: A Battleground State?

The New York Times thinks so.

McCain doesn't have strong personal ties to Arizona. Since he first moved here in the 1980's, it has existed solely as a conduit for his political ambitions. Today, half of the congressional seats and the governor's mansion are held by Democrats. So why does the news media treat it as a given that McCain will win this state? Why isn't the Obama campaign contesting Arizona as intensely as New Mexico and Colorado?

2 comments:

EmilyCC said...

NPR mentioned a few days ago that Obama raised more money in Arizona last month than McCain. I find that hopeful...

Unknown said...

My answer to your question would be that McCain always runs VERY strong in Arizona. In fact, he relocated here from the midwest specifically to develop his political career as the successor to Barry Goldwater. He was a POW Viet Nam vet, perfect for Arizona politics. Although the political culture has progressed in Arizona since he came, his momentum and popularity here persists. Obama is probably wise not to waste his time and money here.