Presidential Election -- Mississippi

Electoral votes: 6

2004 result: Bush 59%, Kerry 40%

2000 result: Bush 58%, Gore 41%

Most recent Democratic win (1976): Carter 50%, Ford 48%

African American percentage: 37.1% (national average is 12.8%)

Link to polls in Real Clear Politics

McCain has a pretty good lead in Mississippi polls. This state is typical of its region, having become a Republican stronghold since Barry Goldwater won its electoral votes in 1964.

Obama might do better in Mississippi than other recent Democratic candidates, if he can produce a high turnout among African American voters. But as in some other southern states, polls indicate that will probably not be sufficient. McCain seems to have these six electoral votes in his pocket.