This is the story in Indiana -
Mitch Daniels won by 500,000 votes.
McCain lost by 23,000 votes.
Republicans who split the tickets killed us.
Republicans who split the tickets killed us.
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In addition to all the other reasons mentioned, Indiana is NOTORIOUS in splitting ballots. While that in itself in not necessarily bad, the political contrast between Hussein and Mitch Daniels is 180 degrees. With that, Indiana voters should be laughed at.
What really killed us was nominating a self-described maverick as the standard bearer and who actively campaigned against his own party. By doing that he alienated many Reps and hurt Reps down ticket.
Interestingly, when you look at the total numbers cast in 2008, I will be surprised if they exceed the number in 2004. Bush beat Kerry 62 mmillion to 59 million. As of now, Obama is beating McCain about 62 million to 55 million. I wonder how much more we will exceed the 121 million combined votes in 2004.
In 2004 in Indiana about 2.5 million votes were cast compared to 2.7 million in 2008. I think this turnout hype turned out to be just that. Obama was able to energize his voters, but the Reps did not.