While We Were Away....

GT12 was in Michigan talking to the voters yesterday ... boy, it's a state of disaster there ... so we missed these tidbits from Polical Wire:

Electoral Map Now Favors Obama

The New York Times looks at the electoral map: "Mr. Obama now has a solid lead in states that account for 189 electoral votes, and he is well positioned in states representing 71 more electoral votes, for a total of 260... based on polls and interviews with officials from both campaigns and outside analysts. It takes 270 electoral votes to win the presidency."

"Mr. McCain has solid leads in states with 160 electoral votes and is well positioned in states with another 40 electoral votes, according to the Times tally, for a total of 200." Just six states representing 78 electoral votes -- Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio and Virginia -- are tossups."

In his latest electoral projection, the Votemaster has Obama leading McCain, 329 to 194 with 15 votes up for grabs.

Columbus Dispatch Poll: Obama Opens Lead in Ohio

Amid growing concerns about the economy, Ohio Democrats are coming home to Sen. Barack Obama, giving him a 7-point advantage in a new Columbus Dispatch Poll over Sen. John McCain, 49% to 42%.

The lead is especially important as "thousands of Ohioans already are casting ballots in the state's first presidential election allowing any registered voter to vote absentee."

Interesting: "McCain's best hope might stem from the fact that Ohio traditionally leans toward the GOP and more moderate candidates, and the state party has one of the best organizations in the country. However, the Dispatch Poll shows a playing field that currently holds 10 percent more self-identified Democrats than Republicans."

Minnesota Poll: Obama Surges Way Ahead

A new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll shows Sen. Barack Obama has opened up a commanding lead over Sen. John McCain, 55% to 37%.

"That's a huge difference from the last Minnesota Poll, conducted in September, which showed the race dead even, with each candidate backed by 45 percent of likely voters. The new poll shows that Obama's surge in the state can be attributed to voters' belief in his ability to deal with the nation's worsening economy, his performance in the first presidential debate and an increase in the number of Minnesotans who call themselves Democrats."

Denver Post Poll: Colorado Deadlocked

The latest Denver Post poll in Colorado shows the presidential race dead even with Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain tied at 44% each.

"The race for Colorado's nine electoral votes probably will be won among the state's unaffiliated voters. Colorado's voter registration is split roughly into thirds, with unaffiliateds second to Republicans. Obama earns his tie in the state by gaining a lead among unaffiliateds to offset McCain's strong support among Republicans."

Morning Call Poll: Obama Opens Wide Lead in Pennsylvania

The latest Morning Call/Muhlenberg College tracking poll in Pennsylvania shows Sen. Barack Obama leading Sen. John McCain, 51% to 39%.

Obama's overall lead in the poll has increased from 4 points to 12 points in the last nine days.

Rasmussen: Obama Ahead in Nevada

A new Rasmussen survey in Nevada shows Sen. Barack Obama leading Sen. John McCain, 51% to 47%.

Last month, McCain led by three points in the state.