The 2016 election will be decided by seven states — and Florida is an absolute must-win

hotair.com ^ | 5/6/2015 | Allahpundit

[rktman]

Just something I’ve been thinking about, sitting here playing with the RSLC’s new 2016 electoral map widget and drinking heavily. “Create Your Own Path to 270 Map,” the widget beckons. Yeah, go ahead. You go find yourself a path to 270.

Here’s what I’ve got.(see graphic)

Each blue state you see there has been blue in every presidential election since 1992, with the sole exception of New Mexico — which has been blue in every election since 1992 except for 2004. Obama won the state by 10 points three years ago against Romney and by 15 points seven years ago against McCain; if Hillary can’t protect an advantage like that and ends up losing the state next year, it would mean some sort of catastrophic national failure of her campaign that would make NM’s electoral votes irrelevant anyway.

[rktman]

Food for thought. Conservatives must be active or we'll end up with another 4 years of constitution loathing libs running the show. And that is a dark lane to be sure.

[US Navy Vet]

This post has “RINO/GOP-e’ STENCH all over it. Why go for JUST 270 why NOT get as much as Reagan did in 1984(49 State LANDSLIDE)!?

[C210N]

Of course, that requires having a Reaganesque candidate.

Good thing we have one!

In the spirit of spreading the GOPe vote as thin as possible, should frame the nomination campaign to be all the non-Reaganesque’s in one large camp.... versus Cruz.

[norwaypinesavage]

The author is making the assumption that the GOP candidate will be another McCain/Romney style whipped dog afraid to challenge the Democrat minority candidate of the season. There are a number of potential GOP candidates that won’t follow that path.

[conservativejoy]

Cruz/Martinez?

[scooby321]

Ohio and Florida

[wolfman23601]

Without the blacks voting in record numbers, Virginia, Ohio, and Florida are likely wins.

[rktman]

No martinez.

[rktman]

You seem to forget, crisp $100 bill and a ride to the polling place. Several times.

[jjotto]

These days, there is no indication whatsoever that ‘favorite son’ candidates bring their state’s EVs with them. And in 2106, even a FL/OH ticket isn’t enough to win unless there is a larger overall trend to flipping close states from Dems to GOP.

[chris37]

If the GOP gives me Jeb Bush, the GOP can go to Hell.

[Ray76]

You mean stand for something? Have principles and be able to articulate them?

The GOP suffers Stockholm Syndrome and will never stand up.

[conservativejoy]

Yep, if Jeb’s on the ticket, voters will stay home in droves. I will vote on other races and write in Cruz.

[Impala64ssa]

If the GOP gives me Jeb Bush, the GOP can go to Hell
ABSOLUTELY! For once, Jesse Jerkson was right, STAY OUT THE BUSHES!! And for that matter the Clintons, and Cuomos and Kennedys. Enough with the damn dynasties!

[Uncle Miltie]

Therefore Bush or Rubio (GOPe / RINO / WSJ Liberals) must be the nominee?

Pah!

[Uncle Miltie]

If the GOP gives us Jeb Bush, I will actively campaign for anyone else, and ask all conservatives to do so also.

Just say “NO” to Bush / Clinton / Bush / Clinton

[dforest]

Since only 7 states determine who wins, why should any other state bother voting?

[Impy]

Why not?

[Rodamala]

The author is making the assumption that the GOP candidate will be another McCain/Romney style whipped dog afraid to challenge the Democrat minority candidate of the season. There  are a number of is ONE potential GOP candidate s  that won’t follow that path.

Fixed it.

[Armando Guerra]

I am voting for Cruz. However, I predicted a Walker/Rubio ticket a while back. Definitely not my first choice, but I will be happy with that ticket if a President Walker appoints Cruz to the US Supreme Court to replace Ruth Buzzie.