NM is 5 and IA is 7. We lose them both that means 12 gone from what we had in 2004. If we hold everything else we had in 2004 we’re still in. But CO, VA, OH, and maybe FL are critical holds. That is the only way McCain can do it, and right now I am very worried about them, especially with this Wall Street crap. As much as I’d like to think we can get PA or MI, I just don’t think it’s going to happen in the end. It may be close, but no cigar. When it’s crunch time, the ‘Rats will come home in those states, unfortunately.
so we are effed for 4 to 8 years right?
Don’t forget Wisconsin, which by percentage was the most closely contested state in 2004. Winning Wisconsin will pretty much neutralize the effect of losing Iowa and New Mexico (although I think McCain will actually win New Mexico).