Why does the GOP get fooled each time by the "Fools Gold" known as Pennsylvania?

[sg0508]

Every cycle since '00, the Republicans make a major push at PA, especially as each campaign draws to a close.  In '12, PA looked like it was solidly in the Democratic column, until some late polls started showing Romney making a small dent.  Then, the Romney camp made a major push there to no avail, losing by >5 points.  In '08, PA really wasn't that close and yet the Republicans tried hard.  Bush made the most serious charge in '04, trying to draw enough conservatives between the east/west borders to offset the margin in Philly and it failed, although it was close (2.5 points). 

It seems (that at least in a presidential year), as long as Democrats receive at least 80% in Philly, the Republicans have little chance.  Sadly, the Republicans have gotten stronger in west PA, and it hasn't mattered.

Why are they fooled each time? I know the state ends up as "competitive" compared to others, but it's not budging.

[sg0508]

I have been saying for a while- PA is going for the GOP in 2016, but VA will go blue (regular, not Atlas)

Yeah, I don't see that happening. I don't see how the GOP is going to do well enough in the eastern portion of the state where they absolutely have to do atleast decent.

Toomey coattails.

Only in '04 was there doubt that the Democratic candidate would carry the state.  Every other cycle this century, there was practically no doubt going into Election Night who was winning PA.