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(Editor’s note: I managed along with dedicated volunteers the 2000 presidential campaign of President George W. Bush in West Virginia.)
The respected Des Moines Register Iowa poll showing Kamala Harris taking the lead in the presidential race caught everyone’s attention. It was shocking since Iowa has moved to the right in recent elections, giving Donald Trump solid victories in 2016 and 2020. With this being a “within the margins” race where could other surprises be lurking.
All the reporting says either of the candidates must win Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania to get the 270 electoral votes to become President of the United States. As tight as the polls show these states on the eve of the election is it possible there is another unexpected route. It has happened.
When George W. Bush won the presidency no one gave the Democratic state of West Virginia a second look. Well, they should have as it provided him six electoral votes. For the first time in 70 years West Virginia voted for a non-incumbent Republican candidate for President. Yes, there was the “hanging chad” in Florida and a Supreme Court decision…but it was those six votes that matter.
Is there a state out there where such a surprise could occur in such a close election?
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Political Tidbits
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BILLBOARD Archives
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