Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

McCain Bets the Farm on Pa.

GOP battles Dems' big advantage in polls, registration

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 21, 2008 10:51 AM CDT

(Newser) – John McCain is going full throttle in Pennsylvania, but his work is cut out for him: He’s behind 12-15 points in state polls, and Democrats vastly outnumber Republicans in the state, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. McCain, wife Cindy, and Sarah Palin have stumped heavily there all week. “We will win Pennsylvania,” said a rep. “We wouldn't be here unless we were 100% confident of that."

But Barack Obama is flooding the airwaves with ads and has a larger organization in the state, which has been blue for the past 20 years. McCain’s camp is “still here because they can't get out. It would be psychologically devastating to their campaign nationally,” said an analyst. The GOP is now looking for a way to win without Iowa, New Mexico, and Colorado, and Pennsylvania is key to the strategy, CNN reports.

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge addresses the crowd with Cindy McCain  behind him during a rally at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pa. Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008.
Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge addresses the crowd with Cindy McCain behind him during a rally at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pa. Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008.   (AP Photo/Jason Minick)
Cindy McCain attends a lunch with Blue and Gold Star Mothers in Philadelphia, Monday, Oct. 20, 2008.
Cindy McCain attends a lunch with Blue and Gold Star Mothers in Philadelphia, Monday, Oct. 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Republican vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, hugs a supporter during a campaign rally in Lancaster, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008.
Republican vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, hugs a supporter during a campaign rally in Lancaster, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
John McCain greets supporters with his wife, Cindy McCain, at a rally in Downingtown, Pa., Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008.
John McCain greets supporters with his wife, Cindy McCain, at a rally in Downingtown, Pa., Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
John King reports on the all-or-nothing campaign of John McCain Pennsylvania or bust.   (FiftyState)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »

The election hinges on Pennsylvania. We'll win Virginia and Nevada in the end, but lose without Pennsylvania. - McCain adviser

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Full Game Change Trailer Debuts

Game Change Trailer Stars Terrifying Sarah Palin

In 2 Key Swing States, Bad News for Obama

Most Popular National Politician Today Is ...

Obama Wants $500M for High-Tech Manufacturing


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne