Battleground States

Like in most Presidential elections, it seems that in 2008 a few key states will decide the outcome. This year’s map of battleground states contains familiar swing states from years past such as Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa. The states of the Rust Belt have been in play for the last several elections and will continue to be. There are new areas that are opening up on the electoral map like the Southwest, and states like Colorado. Colorado’s strong Hispanic concentration will make immigration policy an important issue. Conservatives can use issues like gun rights to their advantage. The South is also looking to be more of a toss up in states like Virginia and South Carolina. Both states have a large African-American communities and that has opened up the state for a possible Obama win. Both states have been traditional Republican strongholds.