Good maps, I’ll check out that Dave Leip site.
The choice of a running mate could influence things. IMHO, the most likely choices will be Rob Portman, Chris Christie, or Tim Pawlenty. All three would help in their home states, though not guarantee them. Chris Christie would put New Jersey in play and bring real energy to the staid Romney’s campaign. But New Jersey will be difficult to actaully carry even with him. Pawlenty has an average guy appeal, the middle-class guy across the street appeal. Remember, Minnesota almost went Republican several times over the years (1984, 1988, 2000, and 2004). Rob Portman would be the safest bet, but he’s tainted by this association with George W. Bush.
The AP did its best to blast every potential VP candidate today with a piece on their finances. Seems a lot of them, led by RUBIO, are in debt quite a bit...some for underwater mortgages and Rubio for college loans.
On the other hand, they noted that Portman is a milionaire too, same as Romney.
Of course, very little notice of the commie party candidates.