Rick Davis

Most would say with John McCain as the nominee, Arizona should not be in play in November. According to a recent web presentation by McCain campaign manager Rick Davis, that may not be the case. Arizona is counted as a swing state for McCain. In the last 50 years Arizona has voted for a total of one Democratic presidential candidate over a Republican. In 1996 Bill Clinton defeated Bob Dole by 2% in Arizona. Every other election has been in favor of the Republican. Then when you consider John McCain has never had a close U.S. Senate race, it would make sense if Arizona was a firm red state for McCain. If McCain needs to spend time shoring up Arizona, it could be a long November for both McCain and Republicans throughout the state.

John McCain's campaign manager, Rick Davis, released a web briefing on the upcoming presidential election. I just had a chance to watch it and one thing is jumped off the page.

Davis lists 24 states as battleground states. Included in there is Arizona and their 10 Electoral Votes. Later into the presentation Davis puts up a map of 6 Lean GOP battleground states that included Arizona, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and West Virginia.

One would have to assume McCain is going to be spending most of his time in the 6 lean gop states and the 19 toss-up states. That means McCain is going to need to spend time campaigning in his home state. Something most candidates should consider a lock.