Peter Brown, who is the assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, described to the Columbus Dispatch just how important an Ohio win would be for the Obama's chances in November: "Can Democrats win without Ohio? Yes they can, but it is a very tough road," He said.

The state that became the biggest battleground in 2004 appears ready to play a similar role this November. McCain's ability to rally the Republican base will be put to the test in Ohio, as he will look to duplicate President Bush's success in racking up huge margins in the southern and Appalachian parts of the state, which allowed him to squeak out a victory against John Kerry. The Republican party in the state has been pummeled by scandal over the past four years and Democrats have won all the big races there recently. Obama lost to Hillary Clinton in the state's primary partly because of his failure to win over blue-collar voters. The Democrat also faces questions about his commitment to reform free trade agreements like NAFTA, which many Ohioans believe has hurt their economy. It all adds up to the possibility of another Election Night squeaker.

• CBS Evening News: McCain's Challenge In "Must-Win" Ohio
• Ohio Analysis By Region