STATE BY STATE: The election outlook

The Associated Press has compiled a state-by-state review of the race for the White House as well as key congressional and gubernatorial campaigns. The state’s number of electoral votes is in parentheses.

ALABAMA (9) — McCain territory. Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions safe. Each party struggling to hold an open House seat.

ALASKA (3) — Running mate Sarah Palin’s state safe for McCain. Convicted GOP Sen. Ted Stevens and Republican Rep. Don Young in deep trouble.

ARIZONA (10) — McCain’s home state should be safe but isn’t quite. Democrats on track to pick up one House seat.

ARKANSAS (6) — McCain’s for sure. Democratic Sen. Mark Pryor safe for re-election. CALIFORNIA (55) — Obama gets the biggest prize, 55 electoral votes of 270 needed. Close race to replace retiring Republican in the House.

COLORADO (9) — Obama making a run in a red state. Democratic Rep. Mark Udall favored to win open Republican Senate seat.

CONNECTICUT (7) — Easy win for Obama. Democrats try again to defeat Rep. Chris Shays.

DELAWARE (3) — Obama’s for sure in running mate’s home state. Sen. Joe Biden winning new term as insurance policy. Jack Markell favored to keep governor’s office in Democratic hands.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (3) — Obama country.

FLORIDA (27) — Another tough southern fight for Obama and McCain. Democratic Rep. Kevin Mahoney headed for defeat, but Republicans expected to lose at least one seat of their own.

GEORGIA (15) — McCain favored, but big early voting turnout gives Obama hope. GOP Sen. Saxby Chambliss faces potential runoff on Dec. 2 in three-way race.

HAWAII (4) — State where Obama spent part of his youth is safe for him.

IDAHO (4) — McCain by far. Republican Jim Risch winning disgraced Sen. Larry Craig’s seat. Democrats target Rep. Bill Sali.

ILLINOIS (21) — Obama’s home state safe. Democratic Sen. Durbin cruising to new term. Democrats favored to pick up at least one House seat.

INDIANA (11) — Obama making a strong push in state next door to his own. Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels favored.

Story Continues →