Miami Vice

It's easy to understand how VA and CO became the "cool kids" of the Electoral College. After writing about the same few states for the last 8 years, reporters were hungry for something new. But the latest registration figures show why FL remains a key battleground. And, with more EV's than VA and CO combined, it's also the most important.

--Not only are Dems registering at a faster rate than GOPers, but, for the first time, the number of Hispanic Dems has surpassed GOPers. Hispanic registration is also up 18%. To be sure, Dems have always had a registration advantage in the state, but it's larger today than it was in '00 or '04.

--Today's LA Times looks at exurban Pasco Cty - located in the pivotal I-4 corridor - where economic anxiety has made this once solid red territory much more pink. McCain can't afford to underperform Bush in these kind of areas.

-- So why isn't the McCain camp investing more here? According to Hotline reporting, McCain's made 5x's as many visits to PA than FL btwn 7/1-8/12. And Obama has outspent McCain on TV here by $6M. Look for the DCCC to be spending heavily as well for their candidates in Orlando and S. FL. To be sure, this is not an easy state for Obama to carry. But how much longer can McCain afford to stay on the sidelines?