Which state will be the "Ohio" of 2008?

Much has been written, discussed and fabricated about the great battle for Ohio in 2004. There is even a great documentary called "So goes the nation..." that details the epic fight for votes there (one of my favorite movies, especially the part where the Dem organizers are crying at the end when they lose).

As a proud participant in the President's re-election battle in 2004 I have some mixed emotions about the state. I am very proud to know people like Chris McNulty, Matt Mason, Ryan Meerstein and so many others who worked so tirelessly there. At the same time those of us in other states, often out of petty jealously, longed for some of the immense love that Ohio received. I still stand by my assertion that if Chairman Bennettrequested planes flying over major GOP areas in the state with banners encouraging Republicans to get out and vote he would have gotten it.

My point being that no expense was too extravagant, no idea was too crazy (except of course the Voting Rights Counselor shirts and hats, the guilty know who you are) and no program was unworthy of full implementation there because the stakes were so high.

In 2008 there may be more than one state that is utterly crucial but it may just come down to one again. One state that is make or break for both Parties and that is the key to victory. There are some great candidates for the role.

Could it be...

• Wisconsin - home to a heartbreaking close loss for us in 2004 and democrats with an affinity for tire slashing.
• Florida - ground zero in 2000 and, hey lets face it, a much warmer place for a recount in November than say Minnesota.
• Pennsylvania - will the personal dynamics of the candidates make this state a little more in play for us in 2008?
• New Hampshire/Iowa/New Mexico - they are all small but very important. Although I am not sure if the people of IA and NH will ever want to see campaigns again after this primary.
• Ohio - will history repeat itself and make places like Delaware county more saturated with reporters and campaign staff than the entire state of California?
• Somewhere else? The Primaries are still unfinished stories and there are dozens of scenarios (including Mike Bloomberg) that make this year's election a bigger and more exciting spectacle than John Edwards in the hair care isle at Target.

Leave a comment and let me know where you think the eyes of the world will be focused in November of 2008. Vote in the poll to the right too.