Why is the DSCC advertising in ME?

[Sam Spade]

You have to invest in MN, but the only person it appears like the nuclear annihilation is helping is Barkley.  Which in turn will help Coleman, because if the national race keeps not being competitive, the next Republican argument will be - don't give the Democrats too much power.  And right now, it appears like Coleman can win with just Republican/Republican-leaning Indy support.  So I'm at a loss for advertising suggestions...

After that...

MS - Maybe beating down those 5% of voters who are actually swingable can turn them.
KY - Lunsford's gain in support is soft (as far as I can tell), but there's some growing room and you can always harden that support.
ME - Beating an incumbent with a 2-1 approval rating is tough.  But I always said that.  And I agree with you.
GA - Maybe.  The bailout has to stay an issue and you need massive black turnout.

[Sam Spade]

Which in turn will help Coleman, because if the national race keeps not being competitive, the next Republican argument will be - don't give the Democrats too much power.

When and how do you expect them to present that argument?

McCain makes that argument, not Coleman - but just as a general point, not as a specific argument.

I understand your point about Minnesota not liking the Republican party, but if Franken keeps collapsing and losing voters to Barkley, Coleman may only need 40% or so to win, which is somewhat around the Republican base in MN (it's more like 38%, but still).

[Sam Spade]

Also, it really does not seem in McCain's character to acknowledge defeat and campaign like Dole did. Maybe he'll prove me wrong.

You raise a good point here.

Carter's campaign was roughly tied with Reagan until the debate (as both sides have pretty much admitted).  I don't think he had any time to make that argument (besides he was the incumbent, bit different strategy).