by Don A Shepard

Created on: June 24, 2008

Barack Obama's campaign is embarking on what it is calling a 50 state strategy. This means states like Indiana may at the least be a contest in 2008. According to The Ball State Daily News the last Democratic presidential candidate to win Electoral College votes here in Indiana was Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. As can be seen on uselectionatlas.org George Bush defeated John Kerry 59.94% to 39.26% in 2004. It would seem from this history that John McCain would certainly be starting from the pole position in 2008, however In a state known for its' racing it seems the race for Indiana's electoral college votes may be competitive this November.

The recent poll results shown on Pollster.com indicate Barack Obama is predictably behind though the biggest margins are relatively slim at 9%. What really makes the race competitive is the number of undecided voters being between 5% and 10% in these polls. The local WTHR Channel 13-Indianapolis Star Poll even has Obama up by 8%. This same poll highlights the economy and the war in Iraq as the top two issues for Indiana voters. It is difficult to measure just how accurate these Indiana polls will be due to the variety in demographics here. As shown in the Democratic primary, the precincts in the Chicago and Indianapolis areas can vote very differently than more rural precincts. The amount of new voters could also make accurate polling tricky.

John McCain is not going to let the Republican's presidential grip on Indiana loosen without a fight. As reported by IndyStar.com he is planning a fundraising visit to Indianapolis July 2 which sponsored by some prominent local politicians. He could gain some momentum here with personal appearances, particularly if he displays his "Good Ole Boy" personality. Current Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels ran a successful campaign here in an RV with the slogan "My Man Mitch". This was how he was once introduced to an audience by President Bush. For an example of strategies that will not work with most Hoosiers see E.D. Hill's Barack Obama Remark: Effective Republican Strategy?

For his part Obama is not conceding Indiana. He has the advantage of already stumping in the state thoroughly during his primary campaign against Hillary Clinton. Another IndyStar.com article reports on a new television add the Obama campaign has put out that will run in Indiana. The spot is titled "Country I Love". According to the article Obama talks about his modest Kansas roots and values. This may help with some Indiana voters who have questions about Obama's patriotism or have issues with him just not being like them.

The general election in Indiana may or may not be close in the end. We will have to wait until November to know for sure. Obama has brought out many new voters in Indiana, as he has across the country. McCain has the many diehard Republicans. We do know that Hoosiers are getting wooed for their vote in 2008, and that the polls are telling us it is competitive. The political engines have been started, may the best candidate win!

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