Obama spending his loot!

Democrat Barack Obama is reported to be spending "significant amounts of money and time" in Indiana.  Northern Indiana is particularly targeted for it's proximity to the Democratic party affiliated safe-grounds of Chicago Illinois. 

McCain, on the other hand, has not spent that much in the Hoosier state.  This may change as the race continues but for now, Indianans are getting a healthy dose of the Democratic party.  New staff offices have opened in the state along with an aggressive media campaign.  

If Obama is successful in turning Indiana his way this could make it difficult for the Republican party during the general election.  Their decision to campaign in Indiana is already having effects. 

If the Republican party doesn't act they could loose the state, if they do act, then they'd be admitting that they have to compete in what has been for the past decade, a solid red state.

New Poll new Results

According to a new poll reported by the Indy Times, Barack Obama holds a slight lead over John McCain.  The poll points out that one in four votes are up for grabs.  This makes for shaky electoral ground for both candidates.  This poll is contingent upon strong voter turnout. 

In a separate poll on pollster.com, McCain is seen as the frontrunner with Obama trailing by three points.  All of this seems highly speculative at this point in time.

Gubernatorial debate occurs

A debate between candidates for the governor's office was held last night between Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels, Democrat Jill Thompson, and the Libertarian candidate Andy Horning.  The key issue in the debate was the economy.  Gov. Daniels defended his record and stated that more jobs had been added during his tenure, while Thompson painted a very different picture stating that Indiana's job market is in ruins.  Indiana's economy is struggling in this latest economic downturn and this could favor the Democratic Party.  However, Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels does hold a strong lead in the polls with a 53.1% advantage to Thompson's 35.8%.

Election fever heats up!

Voter disparity is pronounced in Indiana where McCain is garnishing a slight lead over Obama.  The voters in Indiana are a mixed bag of individuals who've historically voted Republican.  The last Democratic nominee to be approved by Indianans was back in 1964.  The report in the Indy Star states the following:  "In Indiana, Obama appears to have the edge in urban centers, and among the young and minorities. Social conservatives and rural Hoosiers, along with the GOP-dominated suburbs that surround Indianapolis, are expected to support McCain."  Both candidates are ramping up their efforts in order to sway potential swing votes.  More about voter confusion and disparity can be read here.

Indy Newspaper Feed

The Indy Star reported today that the Democratic challenger Jill Thomson has filed a complaint with the state inspector general's office.  Her campaign alleges that Republican Gov. Daniels' usage of state aircraft to be an abuse of office.  The story can be read here.  

Fifty days to go!

There are fifty days to go until the election in November.  In Indiana, voters are leaning towards McCain.  McCain has a 47.9% lead over Obama's 43.7%.  In previous presidential elections, Indiana has voted primarily for the Republican ticket.  President Bush was favored in 1992, Dole in 1996, and President George W Bush in both 2000 and 2004.  Indiana's economy is dominated by the manufacturing industry that is deeply affected by recessions so that could play into the Democrat's favor this election.  Republican governor Daniels is leading his opponent Thompson 53% to 35%.