Dems Surge West: GOP, What Are You Waiting For?

In case Anonymous still hasn't figured out how hyperlinks work, here's more documentation on how the GOP is losing voters and may be about to lose the general election big time, even in the supposed Republican Western strongholds like Nevada:

The match that sparked this Western political brushfire: By holding the Democratic caucus on Jan. 19, a date earlier than ever before in Nevada and early enough to actually matter, voter turnout exploded. Fewer than 10,000 Democrats bothered to show up in 2004. More than 10 times as many — 117,599, to be exact — attended in 2008.

Democratic voter registration has likewise surged, giving the party a 60,000-voter edge over Republicans, according to July figures compiled by the state. That’s a reversal from 2004, when Republicans held about a 10,000-voter lead. And as a result of caucus organizing efforts, Democrats now boast the most extensive and sophisticated volunteer network the state has ever seen [Victoria McGrane and Charles Mahtesian, "How the West May Be Won," Politico.com, 2008.08.29].

Obama organizers are also surging to make New Mexico and Colorado battleground states as well: 17 Obama campaign offices in NM, over 20 in CO, and close enough GOP-Dem margins in each state that even small efforts may be enough to make a difference.

But not to worry, GOP: your leaders promise they'll reclaim the edge:

“We’re going to have just as good or better of an organization,” said McCain’s regional communications director, Rick Gorka, dismissing the notion that the McCain ground game is lagging behind Democrats in Nevada. “We’re going to be fully prepared” with the volunteers to ensure victory [McGrane & Mahtesian, 2008.08.29]

Going to. Going to?!? It's Labor Day weekend, and the McCain people are still talking future tense? Memo to GOP HQ: the campaign is now.