I really think Obama has a chance in Missouri.

He's doing well in Virginia and Colorado which are Republican leaning states.

And I've seen signs, especially in my area, that he might do well in another Republican leaning state:

MISSOURI!!

First off, you should have seen the line waiting for Obama tickets when he came to my hometown in Springfield, Missouri. I've never seen anything like it. Thousands upon thousands of people stretching around streets waiting for tickets to see the next President. What's fun is that was just the line in Springfield. Nixa and Ozark, which are smaller but decently populated towns in the area, also gave away tickets.

Second off, I've seen all of two McCain bumper stickers. In 2000 and 2004, the streets were flooded with Bush-Cheney and W stickers. This area is very conservative, and in 00' and 04' you couldn't go from your house to the gas station without seeing one or two or three W stickers. I've seen only two McCain stickers. And I've seen PLENTY of signs for Hulsolf and Steelman, Republican candidates for Governor, as well as other Republicans running for state wide office. But no McCain yard signs--not one. In 2004, I remember almost every Bush-Cheney yard sign was next to a Matt Blunt for Governor sign. Now you can't find a single Hulsolf or Steelman yard sign side by side with a McCain one.

Come to think of it, I remember during the Republican primary in Missouri seeing tons of Romney signs and a few Huckabee signs--but NOT McCain ones at it. I really don't think McCain is popular in these parts.

Now, that's just in my town of Springfield. St. Louis and Kansas City are Democratic strongholds. If Obama can make up ground in Springfield and the surrounding area, with 300,000 people, and compete in rural areas--he's got a shot at Missouri.

He needs to come back and visit all corners of the state, because I know his campaign has a good ground operation here, has TV advertisements playing throughout the state, and is focusing on rural areas--which is important.

So I really hope Obama can make a play for Missouri. And I thought Kerry had no chance of winning the state in 2004, even though I volunteered my ass off for him. But I really think Obama does.

And, we have a Democratic Sec-of-State who will make sure his votes will be counted, too!

It is reported that Obama will help the chances of the democratic nominee for Trent Lott's seat.

And oh, I think Jay Nixon will be the next Missouri Governor.

Thank god, we'll replace that Republican Matt Blunt with someone I like.

She's tough as nails, too.

Would not surprise me in the least if he took Missouri.

We'll land there tomorrow, and in the back of the car are two Obama rally signs. One to hang in their farm store/barn. The other for their house. We're also giving them a roll of Obama stickers for the kids. We'll send them a yard sign as soon as the VP is chosen, and those are available for purchase.

They were the only people in their town with a Claire McCaskill sign last year as well. But their farm is open to the public through the fall, and sits right as you enter town - everyone sees it coming and going. I should note - they're the best place to pick your own and purchase homemade fruit preserves.

Where in Missouri, do they live?

Augusta, just west of St. Charles/St. Louis area. Centennial Farms & Orchard (you can google it if you're interested in finding out how to get there).

Several wineries, some cute little shops, and a 4 or 5 B&Bs in town as well. But it is a small town, most people come for the wineries & their farm. :)

He has a new one opening in North St. Louis this weekend. :D

I live very near Springfield. I actually picked up our tickets in Nixa and that was a very impressive line--not just because of the size, but the variety of people there.

I'm with you--I saw huckster signs, a romeny sign here and there, boatloads of ron paul sigsn, but I have yet to see a mcsame sign.

I do think he is going to make a very good showing.

I've been wondering what it would take for Obama to put MO in play - - I mean really, really in play, like polling within just a percentage point or two of McSame in the state would show.

Obama should do very well in St. Louis and KC - - but can he play in the heartland? What do you local folks think?

Also, why exactly is Blunt retiring? I mean the real reason. There have been whispers, but I've missed them.

Finally, good to see a shoutout to Nixa, birthplace of Jason Bourne. :-)

His campaign is competing for rural voters in a way I haven't seen, and I think when he came to Springfield you saw that when he stopped in smaller towns and not just in Springfield and Rolla. If he can pick away some Republicans in Springfield and other decently sized cities like Cape Gireadeau (sp?) and St. Joe, and hold onto St. Louis and Kansas City--it could be his to win!

Missouri a republican leaning state?

Voted for Bush in 2004 and 2000, And clinton in 92 and 96.

But I've said this before: Obama is a genius for opening up so many offices in MO. There are two large cities with AA population (Kansas City, 46 percent) and St Louis (51 percent). Obama needs huge voter turnout from the AA's and young voters, and if he gets it, he will likely get the state.

...pick off some rural voters, he'll be in the driver seat.

on the campaign in my home state. One of the reasons I love Dean is the 50 state state strategy and another was his pioneering use of the internet to raise money. Barack will be the beneficiary by the work already done in places like Missouri and will have the resources to allow him to stay in the fight until election day.

on the fact Kerry pulled out, since it was a coordinated campaign, and gave the signal loud and clear they thought MO was a lost cause.

what they will do. They wouldn't vote repub, but they might not vote for pres at all. These small towns like getting noticed by the campaign though, and the fact that Obama cares enough about them to open and office/put people on the ground will mean quite a bit to them. KC and StL have come through for us before though, and with the enthusiam now, they may well turn MO fairly blue instead of a reddish purple, lol.

Also, recent poll numbers don't look too encouraging.

has terrible numbers and people hate him because he treated the people of this state like shit. I think many people are much more sick and tired of repubs in 2008 than in 2004.