And then it was done

He might have won West Virginian hearts in almost ever demographic, but it didn't help him in the rest of the United States. In fact, West Virginia went almost the complete opposite of the greater voting population on November 4th. This might have had something to with the almost non-existent minority influence in the state, including blacks. In the CBS exit polls an unmeasurable number of black, Hispanic and Asian voters turned out in the state, all together making up about 5 percent of the voting population. Those who thought race was important factor (about 20 percent of the vote) voted 62 to 34 percent for McCain, though those who thought it was not an important factor were about equally split with a slight tilt for McCain.

All in all, the state went about 55 percent to 43 percent for McCain, with whites voting almost 60/40 for him. He won among
*all age groups
*men and women
*those who want a president who shared their values
*those who wanted a president who "cared about people like [them]"
*Republicans
*Independents (almost 60/40)
*Those who somewhat approve or somewhat disapprove of President Bush
*Evangelicals
*All education levels EXCEPT those with post-graduate degrees
*Those of all income levels EXCEPT those that make less than $30,000/year
*Those that decided on their candidate before September (55 percent of voters)
*Voters who felt terrorism was the most important issue
*Suburbs and small town/rural voter (95 percent)

Obama won amongst those that
*Decided on their candidate in early October
*Decided on their candidate sometime in September
*Thought bringing about change was the most important thing
*Democrats
*Those that strongly disagree with Bush
*Those who though the state of the economy is "poor"
*Labor union voters



Interestingly McCain won narrowly even among those who thought the economy was the main issue, but the majority of McCain voters had also made their decision months ago, suggesting the partisanship--not the economy--was the main issue for these voters. McCain even won among low-income, union, and less-educated voters.

Certainly the worries last month about West Virginia going blue were unfounded, and McCain wishes better represented the country as a whole.

And the final prediction is....

It's been a long road with some ups and down, but West Virginia's 5 electoral votes are safe territory for McCain. Not only have the polls been splitting heavily in McCain's favor, but the accusations from the coal industry against Obama today won't help Obama make any ground here tomorrow.

Senator Rockefeller (D) and Governor Manchin (D) will pull it out again, despite the state's red presidential leaning. Congressman Capito (R) will pull through against this year.

Polling problems?

The Charleston Gazette in West Virginia reported on some angry voters who claim the voting machines "switched" there vote from Obama to McCain. Click here for the complete story.

More W.Va. voters say machines are switching votes
In six cases, Democratic votes flipped to GOP

WINFIELD, W.Va. -- Three Putnam County voters say electronic voting machines changed their votes from Democrats to Republicans when they cast early ballots last week. This is the second West Virginia county where voters have reported this problem. Last week, three voters in Jackson County told The Charleston Gazette their electronic vote for "Barack Obama" kept flipping to "John McCain".

By Paul J. Nyden
Staff writer

WINFIELD, W.Va. -- Three Putnam County voters say electronic voting machines changed their votes from Democrats to Republicans when they cast early ballots last week.

This is the second West Virginia county where voters have reported this problem. Last week, three voters in Jackson County told The Charleston Gazette their electronic vote for "Barack Obama" kept flipping to "John McCain".

In both counties, Republicans are responsible for overseeing elections. Both county clerks said the problem is isolated.

They also blamed voters for not being more careful.

"People make mistakes more than machines," said Jackson County Clerk Jeff Waybright.

Shelba Ketchum, a 69-year-old nurse retired from Thomas Memorial Hospital, described what happened Friday at the Putnam County Courthouse in Winfield.

"I pushed buttons and they all came up Republican," she said. "I hit Obama and it switched to McCain. I am really concerned about that. If McCain wins, there was something wrong with the machines.

Turnout surges

West Virginians aren't taking the election for granted this year, and are voting in massive numbers right along with the states still up for grabs in the election. Since early voting opened in the state a couple weeks ago nearly 13 percent of registered voters have already voted, a 22 percent increase since the last presidential election cycle. Mail-in ballots have also increased significantly this year.

Poll officials are predicting big things in tomorrow election.

Pollster averages shows McCain ok in WV

WV microcosm of the economic issue?

10 days to go...

After some ups and downs it looks like McCain will hang on to West Virginia!