If you look at the Upper Midwest States Kerry won, Bush's percentage in all three was 48%. A very good showing considering the fact Kerry once ran double digit numbers in them. That's plenty of encouragement for future elections.
The National county map tells the real numbers!
Minnesota and Wisconsin are going through an alignment along similar lines as the South over the last few decades. In 2008, the Republican candidate should be able to pick up at least one of them. From 2012 onward, they should be safely in the 'R' column.
Demographic shifts are going to make it very difficult for a Democratic candidate to win the White House in the next generation or so. This was their best shot for the foreseeable future.