So given the 2012 general election map, which blue states are you counting on to get to 38? I don't mean that as a taunt, but an observation of just how hard its going to be.
You'll need all but 12 states. New England, the West Coast, and Hawaii are 14, so you will need all of the others, plus two of those.
I over counted “New England” I was thinking North East and counting Maryland and Delaware in that grouping.
I don’t think I ever said I thought it would be easy. Or fast.
But to answer your question directly only 34 states - not 38 as you presume - are required to call a Convention (2/3 of 50), so here goes: Nevada, Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Virginia, and Pennsylvania would do it. There could be more, as the move gains momentum, states will not want to be left out of the process.
In the convention itself, each state has one vote, so the 24 red states are well positioned to combine with several “purple” states to have a dominant influence on the outcome.
Ultimate ratification of any proposed amendments by 3/4 of the states is a different issue and will take place in a radically different political environment from today. That bridge will be crossed much later.
Keep in mind that the conference at Mt. Vernon was attended by representatives from 32 states, so we could be very close already.