I'm just trying to point out that the Mountain West is more competitive than people realize and it is the fastest growing region in the US which means thats where the electoral votes will be heading in 2012. I also think Texas will be much more competitive in 2008 even. Although it has a definate Republican lean, Clinton managed 44% there in 1996 when he was up against a non-Texan. The dramatic increase in the Hispanic population since then plus the GOP's hardline immigration stance, and the fact that there won't be a Texas Republican on the ballot may drive this state into much more competitive territory than it has been in recent years. I would have to say that this would be a big slap in the face to Bush on his way out though.
Clinton was also from the South and won the last vestiges of Dixiecrat-ism still present in the South. The influx of Hispanics will be countered by continuing disillusionment (especially in immigration-hostile white Texas) of those voters against the Democratic Party. Of course, in truth, neither party really presents the position they want (reduced free trade, reduced immigration), but immigration will seem the more pressing problem to the "common American" of Texas. (This contrasts with, say, Virginia and North Carolina, where free trade is considered the bigger enemy of the "common American".)
