Remember McCain was within the margin of error against Obama in California in 2007
Would you post a poll that shows that? That's very interesting.
Also, no, Democrats are not counting on 2012 as a great state for us. Is it impossible? Of course not, but highly unlikely to trend our way this time around. Still, in the next few elections, it will likely become a swing state.
Here's one from May 2008 that shows Obama leading McCain 47-40, and Clinton leading McCain 43-40%.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/05/california-poll.html
SurveyUSA had a bunch in 2007 too.
That was before McCain sold out in a feeble attempt to rally the base.