The New GOP Push For Indiana

(CBS)  This Reporter's Notebook for the CBS Evening News series, "Final Battleground," was written by Brian Howey, the creator of the Web site and e-newsletter, Howey Politics Indiana. You can find it right here.

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The Republicans certainly have had their way in this state for a long time. There have only been three elections in the 20th century where they haven't won, and the last one was 1964.

In my opinion, the McCain-Palin campaign has taken Indiana for granted this year. Sarah Palin made her first stop last Friday. We have only seen John McCain once.

They have really been out-performed by Obama on all fronts. He's got over 40 offices open around the state in small communities. The Obama campaign has probably registered 150,000, maybe 200,000, new voters.

And I think what their plan is, is to try and offset some of the latent racism that may exist here in the state with a new voter.

To use an Indiana basketball term, this is a barn burner.

Hoosiers have a long love affair with the internal combustion engine. We were an auto center and what has happened to Detroit has really impacted the economy her in Indiana. And I think that is why, a lot of Republicans and Independents are certainly taking a long look at Barack Obama.

I was told by McCain operatives here that they were going to do it the old-fashioned way - they felt like they had a very strong state organization. And the Indiana Republican Party is a very strong state organization.

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Traditionally, Republican presidential nominees swoop in to Indiana to raise money. And now they have to put out a prairie fire.

[kansas1946]

A very badly written article. If his web site is this disgustingly sad it should be shut down for lack of intelligence.
Posted by Trutharrows at 12:50 AM : Oct 21, 2008
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Although I support Obama, and hope he takes Indiana by storm, I too thought it was poorly written.

[timnguyen]

''Change'' Can Lead to Catastrophe

[windmaster12]

Truth Hurts!!!!

The Proof is any Veteran who would vote
for Mccain is a Fool!!!

Research Vietnam Vets against Mccain!!!

Dumbed down Red States
Voted for Dumbya Twice In a Row
Conclusive Proof
That they are totally Inept
Lacking all Judgmental Foresight

Vote for The Traitor Mcsame
Bush 3
Starred in 32 Viet Cong Propaganda Movies
Traded Military Secrets for Preferential treatment
Its all Documented-
Just
Google
Mccain Collaborator

[antoniof123]

The New GOP Push For Indiana

Right now the way I feel I wish it had said INDIA and that they were leaving.

God 8 years of Bush 12 years of neo con congress did they work at all. Now they want more no they should go to INDIA.

[misha128-2009]

And I doubt McCain''s new stump issue -- baseball -- is going to change the momentum.

[noamnestymc]

A very badly written article. If his web site is this disgustingly sad it should be shut down for lack of intelligence.
Posted by Trutharrows at 12:50 AM : Oct 21, 2008
*** Amnesty Mccains campaign should be shut down for lack of intelligence! Amnesty Mccain wants more tax breaks for the greedy walmart executives and oil company executives... oh please! Obama/Biden 2008!

[trutharrows]

A very badly written article. If his web site is this disgustingly sad it should be shut down for lack of intelligence.

[pueblosam]

The "latent racism" in Indiana will be offset by new voters who will vote for Obama? Wow, I had no idea that only one party had a lock on racism. I wonder how my Indiana Republican friends feel about that.

BTW, recently published research suggests that registered Democrats are more likely than Republicans to allow race to motivate their policy choices.

CBS executives--if you''re going to invite partisan guest bloggers, would you at least try to provide some balance?

[sbelknap01]

Many of my Indiana Republican friends feel as though they have been abandoned by their candidates. The recent right hand turn by the McCain/Palin candidates is of grave concern to thoughtful Hoosiers and Colin Powell''s very detailed description of why he supports Obama/Biden has touched them deeply. Many have pro-life beliefs, yet questions Governor Palin''s enthusiasm in denying such option to rape victims. They have found information at prolifeproobama.com that helped. My favorite bumper sticker: I love John McCain. I love my job more. We welcome Republicans to vote for Obama/Biden, be a part of the change we need, your voices will not be silenced by Barack Obama and if, in four years, we haven''t convinced you - then come back at us, with thoughtful, serious candidates who have legitimate differences and something to say that is not merely argumentative and negative. Thank you.

[satyrar]

Governor Palin''s stop in Indiana may be a late effort for the Republican ticket. There is much that the public is still trying to learn about Governor Palin. Did she really lie in the TrooperGate situation. See for yourself
http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Troopergate_Palin_lies_and_videotape