Nebraska's Second District has gained attention as the presidential campaigns foresee a possible electoral tie. Nebraska's five electoral votes are split by congressional district, and a Democratic gain of one vote could impact the election. One ad campaign in the district urges an "Obama-Terry" ticket, supporting both Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama and Republican incumbent Rep. Lee Terry (Photo from ABC News).
by Laura Olson
Sen. Hillary Clinton's appearance Tuesday in Omaha, Neb. (or "Obamaha", as several news organizations dubbed it in primary election headlines), is a reminder that even a lone electoral vote in a traditionally blood-red state could be important.
The New York senator spent the day in the state's 2nd Congressional District, attending a fundraiser in the morning, and speaking to the Girls Inc. luncheon and a rally of more than 2,500, according to the Omaha World-Herald.
While winning one of Nebraska's five electoral votes, which are split by congressional district, wouldn't be easy, Clinton said it is possible -- and could make the difference.
"As the polls show, this is a close race, and Nebraska is poised to put Senator Obama over the top," Clinton told rally-goers.
The state's Democrats haven't seen anything like this election in years. The Obama campaign is operating three Omaha offices, and the city's paper reports that this is the first time in 40 years that a Democratic candidate has competed for any of Nebraska's electoral votes.
The tightening race brought Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin to Omaha in early October to stump for the GOP ticket.
But it's not just the presidential race that is looking more purple than red. The 2nd District's congressional race has become heated as well.
According to the World-Herald, the Republican National Congressional Committee recently spent about $485,000 on the district's Rep. Lee Terry, who is facing a tough rematch against Democratic challenger Jim Esch. Democratic leaders in the state point to the contribution as a sign of a close race.
One ad campaign encourages voter to choose an "Obama-Terry" ticket, another signal of the impact of Democratic efforts in the district.
The state's early voting figures also are looking unusually blue.
In Douglas County, home to more than a quarter of the state's registered voters, Democrats have been outpacing Republicans in early voting, according to the AP. Republicans lead Dems 40 percent to 39 percent in the county's voter registrations, but early ballot requests show 16,500 from Democrats, 12,000 from Republicans and another 5,000 from independents.
Comments
The Clinton's don't seem to created much excitement- Outcome could be very interesting- where is their promised 20million-
Posted by: George | October 22, 2008 9:23 AM
I have decided to vote EARLY for McCain/Palin.
I am one of those bitter Hillary supporters who feel that she was cheated out of the nomination.
Too bad Obama did not choose her as the VP.
Posted by: Bitter Hillary supporter | October 22, 2008 10:15 AM
Posted by: Bitter Hillary supporter | October 22, 2008 10:15 AM
Well, at least you admit that you are a bitter spiteful person who finds Hillary Clinton to be more important than the national good, and that you are illogical enough to vote for a candidate that stands in direct opposiution to everything Clinton believes in out of a twisted sense that it somehow benefits Hillary Clinton.
The Republican Party need useful idiots like you to advance their far right wing agenda. Please don't come back to the Democratic Party illogical voters like you aren't something we need. You'll fit in well over with the Republican hate machine
Posted by: Nickel | October 22, 2008 10:50 AM
Posted by: Bitter Hillary supporter | October 22, 2008 10:15 AM
I would rather the dems lose your vote (for good hopefully) than have such a "deep" thinker in our party.
Posted by: bill "Hussein" r. | October 22, 2008 10:51 AM
This ad looks a lot like the ones Gordon Smith is running in Oregon. He has been portraying himself as a friend of Obama.
Now can anyone tell us of a down-ticket Democratic candidate that is running ads asking voters to vote for McCain and the Dem candidate?
Posted by: Bob "Hussein" inATL | October 22, 2008 1:57 PM