Is Palin Unprepared?

My last post detailed how GOP Vice President hopeful Sarah Palin has cancelled her appearance at a fundraiser in Wyoming next week. Instead, the campaign is sending Cindy McCain to band-aid the situation. Now, Palin has also rescheduled fundraising appearances in California. Speculation suggests that Palin may not be prepared for her Vice Presidential debate coming up on October 2. Could this be a sign of weakness in the GOP ticket that has been getting so much attention lately?

Cindy McCain to Visit Wyoming

Cindy McCain will be visiting the Teton Pines Counrty Club for a $2,500 plate breakfast on September 24. Although Sarah Palin had originally intended to make the trip, she is now being replaced by Mrs. McCain. An explanation for this switch has yet to be given. CBS News released the campaign agenda as follows:
The agenda for the campaign stop is a 7:30 a.m. roundtable, 8 a.m. photo opportunity and at 8:30 a.m. breakfast.
The agenda for the campaign stop is a 7:30 a.m. roundtable, 8 a.m. photo opportunity and at 8:30 a.m. breakfast.

Democrats Hope to Attract an Obama-Biden Visit in WY

Despite the belief that Wyoming is a solidly red state, Democratic leaders within the state still hope to get some attention from the Obama-Biden ticket. Knowing that both Obama and Biden will have to campaign in other western battleground states close to Wyoming, Democratic leaders in the state hope to encourage a stop in WY along the way. Bill Luckett, the state's Democratic director, would settle for either Obama or Biden for a quick stop-over.

Maybe a quick visit to Wyoming wouldn't be a bad idea in light of Obama's new campaign emails encouraging supporters to donate more money to his campaign. The Associated Press reports that the DNC recently raised an estimated $450,000 for the Obama-Biden ticket in Teton County, WY. This sum came from a one night event devoid of any major Democratic Party names. Imagine what kind of money the campaign could rake in if one of the stars showed up at the next fundraising event.

Palin Gains Excitement in Wyoming

The Anchorage Daily News reports that Palin is sparking enthusiams among Republicans who haven't really been invested in the political proccess in years. Particularly, this enthusiasm is being felt in states like Wyoming where Presidential campaigning is often far removed.

Reports say "Palin's appeal to Republicans is palpable in places like Wyoming, where people don't experience the once-a-week visits that voters in battleground states such as Ohio or Pennsylvania see. Palin has a Sept. 24 fundraiser that is drawing people not just from Wyoming, but Idaho and Montana too, said Maggie Scarlett, who serves with her husband as the finance co-chair for the McCain campaign in Wyoming."

It seems that Palin is reinvigorating the solid Republican base and painting the West red in her wake.

50 DAYS TO GO!!!

Here is a break down of how Wyoming is looking 5o days before the election:

Current Status: Strong McCain
Current Polling: McCain leading Obama 59.7% to 33.2%
Previous Election Results: 2004-Republican (George W. Bush), 2000-Republican (George W. Bush), 1996-Republican (Bob Dole), 1992-Republican (George Bush Sr.)
Key Issues: Economy and Taxes, Energy
Other Influential Races on the Ticket: None

Wyoming, A Deep Shade of Red

Wyoming is decidedly a red state. With only three electoral votes at stake, neither Obama nor McCain have focused much campaign attention on the state. According to pollster.com, McCain has leads the state with a 59.7% approval rate.