Maryland's not an island, but it seems one this fall: virtually surrounded by fierce presidential campaigning and all but ignored by the candidates.
In the final hours before the election, Barack Obama, John McCain and their running mates are flooding neighboring states with in-person appearances and campaign commercials. TV and radio signals from next-door are hitting much of Maryland. And everyone could see Obama's infomercial or national cable ads.
But thinking you're in the middle of a presidential contest isn't the same as being there. Here's why: Campaigns aren't just about who gets elected. They're about whose interests get served, too.
Take, for instance, a topic of importance to many Marylanders: the environment.
Some of the nation's top coal-producing states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, happen to be prime electoral vote targets. It's no coincidence, then, that the candidates are talking a lot more about clean coal than about cleaning up the Chesapeake.
Unlike its Mid-Atlantic neighbors, Maryland isn't a prime target because it's not considered competitive on Election Day.
Regardless of who becomes president, you can bet your house that Obama will carry Maryland. That's not to say McCain couldn't have won, but at least 40 other states are easier targets for the Republican.
For weeks, activists from Maryland had to cross into neighboring states to knock on doors for McCain or Obama if they wanted to get involved where it really mattered. Maryland's top political talent has also been exported.
Democratic Sens. Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin, Gov. Martin O'Malley and Baltimore Congressman Elijah E. Cummings are among those traveling the country to promote their party's ticket. Former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, who pioneered the Republican battle cry, "Drill, baby, drill," has been out there, too. The other day, he joined a group of prominent McCain supporters and the candidate at a Cleveland campaign event.
Like Ohio, a perennial battleground, Maryland used to be a national bellwether.
In 10 of the last 14 presidential contests, going back to 1952, Maryland voted for the winning candidate. In half those cases, Republicans carried the state. But times have changed.
