North Carolina

Outlook: Leans Republican

15 Electoral Votes (15 in 2000)
Bush won in 2004 by 12.43%

The Tar Heel State is going to be competitive in 2008, but perhaps not at the presidential level. Statewide, the governor's mansion and the state Legislature are currently all under Democratic control, but 2008 is an election year for governor with a competitive race in the making. Nationally, a majority of the congressional seats are held by Democrats as well but both senators from North Carolina are Republicans, although one is in facing an increasingly fierce Democratic challenge. George W. Bush won by between 12 and 13 percent in both 2000 and 2004, but either side would be foolish to write off this state’s 15 electoral votes.