In 2008, the ticket of Clinton/Bayh defeats Romney/Barbour 357-181 in the EC and 54-46 in the PV. The Democrats gain 6 seats in the Senate and 11 in the House. In late 2009 Hillary begins bringing the troops home, leaving only a small force which also leaves in the middle of 2012.
Hillary raises taxes slightly after taking office, although gas prices go down slightly as well.
Newt Gingrich is elected Governor of Georgia in 2010, and decides to seek the GOP nomination. He edges out Senator Ensign and Governor Pawlenty, and chooses Ensign as his running mate, after being endorsed by all the other candidates. Please discuss with maps.