Dugald McConnell
CNN producer
It’s a state that hasn’t voted for a Republican in 20 years, and recent polls are showing a lead for Democratic candidate Sen. Barack Obama of five to ten percent. But Republican Sen. John McCain is blitzing Pennsylvania almost every day: Monday marks the 10th day out the last 15 days that either McCain or his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, is campaigning there.
Republicans see their efforts to flip Pennsylvania as crucial, if McCain is to have a path to victory on Tuesday.
“Back in August or September, few people thought it would come down to one or two states,” says Republican Tom Ridge, a former governor of the Keystone State. “But it’s now down to Pennsylvania and one or two others.”
With McCain mostly playing defense in an effort to hold on to states George Bush won in 2000 and 2004, Pennsylvania may be one of the only states where he is still playing offense. Republicans are looking to the state’s 21 Electoral College votes as a way to make up for potential losses in red states where McCain is currently behind, such as Iowa, Nevada, Colorado, and even Virginia.
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